Wroclaw is the third center in Poland where the most computer games are developed. See the latest special report

The gaming industry (gamedev) in the Wroclaw Agglomeration is developing at a very fast pace.

Local computer game developers are already recognized not only in the domestic market, but also internationally. The Wrocław Agglomeration Development Agency (ARAW) and Startup Wroclaw decided to take a look at this industry, which is growing in strength.

The report 'Gamedev in the Wroclaw Agglomeration' is not only a detailed analysis of the market, which is worth $180 billion worldwide, but also a gateway for investors, developers and lovers of the gaming industry for future cooperation with local companies.

Its launch was held on October 5 this year at Coventry University Wrocław. The event brought together leading representatives of Wrocław's gaming sector.

A strong and promising industry

The report 'Gamedev in the Wroclaw Agglomeration' aims to comprehensively diagnose and describe the activities of local gaming companies. The researchers asked representatives of 25 companies operating in the market. Their answers made it possible to map the gaming environment of the Wroclaw agglomeration and analyze its condition and development prospects, including the latest titles and plans for the future.

The gaming industry in the Wroclaw Agglomeration is extremely strong and promising, which clearly translates into the visibility of domestic brands on the global stage. The activities of the ARAW Business Support Center are strongly focused on modern technologies and digitalization, and are closely linked to the trends we see in the ever-evolving sectors of the future, such as gamedev. Wroclaw-based game developers can boast a number of titles that have become global hits. In the report, we look at the state of the gaming industry and describe the development plans of local companies.

Mateusz Jarzombek, director of the ARAW Business Support Center

Wroclaw one of the most important gaming centers

The gaming market in Poland is currently worth PLN 4.97 billion and continues to grow. It is expected to reach a ceiling of around PLN 6 billion in 2024. Our programmers are considered to be among the best in the world - in the HackerRank they've been rank third after China and Russia. Over the years, Polish companies have made a brand for themselves with titles such as The Witcher, produced by CD Projekt Red, and Dying Light by Wroclaw-based Techland.

Wroclaw among the most important centers of gamedev industry development in the country

Wroclaw stands out from other cities in Poland and is one of the most important centers of gamedev industry development in the country.

It is home to dozens of studios of various sizes and operating models, from micro-enterprises to listed companies employing hundreds of people and producing games recognized around the world. Emerging areas of this market, such as AR/VR, are also developing dynamically here.

The city's drawing power is evident

Game developers praise Wroclaw primarily for its relatively good access to skilled workers. They also appreciate the culture of networking, mutual assistance and exchange of experience. A lot of local initiatives are also being created, industry meetings and workshops are being organized. Not surprisingly, Wroclaw has always been considered a city, which apparently also translates into business.

The city is perceived as an attractive place to live, thanks in part to its well-developed infrastructure (office space, good access, air connections, etc.), its wide educational offer and its image as a city that is innovative and supports the development of the entire IT industry.

The conclusion of this report is that Wroclaw is already a great place for the gamedev industry, attracting talent, studios that move here from other cities. This attraction power of the city is evident. On the other hand, there is also potential for more. It would be good to organize an industry event of international scale here, to advertise Wroclaw, which is really cool, is on a world level and can compete boldly not only with Polish centers, but also with foreign ones. It is also necessary to support talents, as Coventry University plans to do. Other universities should also come out with an initiative to attract those willing to study gamedev or fine arts.

Tomasz Kryda of DiveInData

More and more educational opportunities

The capital of Lower Silesia is also seen as a space for further development. Specialists are therefore needed to meet market demands. Coventry University Wroclaw, which was engaged into process of preparation of the report, plans to respond to the demand of the gaminng market.

The gaming market in Poland is extremely dynamic. Therefore, we strive to update our educational offerings to meet the demands of the ever-changing business. Our staff consists primarily of practitioners who have experience in the industry, which will certainly help in educating future specialists in the industry.

PhD Jacek Lewandowski, director of the Coventry University Wroclaw Campus

Interesting international industry events needed

In addition, game developers emphasize that Wroclaw lacks an industry event of international scale, which would be a great opportunity for networking, showcasing the achievements of companies, as well as promoting the city.

Wroclaw is an ideal place to organize smaller events dedicated to the gamedev industry, such as game development marathons (gamejams). Such events have taken place here in the past and were very popular among game developers and users. With the support of large companies in the industry, they could become a distinguishing feature of Wroclaw compared to other cities.

Wroclaw has a rich tradition of organizing game jams recognized nationwide. Before the outbreak of the pandemic, they were very popular and attracted participants from all over Poland and even abroad. It would be worthwhile to support the organization of such events, as they are a great showcase for Wroclaw. One could draw on the experience of countries such as Sweden and Finland, where cyclical events of this type are held on a much larger scale. It is also certainly worth attracting industry celebrities to this type of event, which will attract even more interest. Properly supported and promoted game jams can become a showcase of Wroclaw and attract more game developers to the city.

Piotr Mistygacz, Lead Technical Level Designer at Techland

Gamedev companies keep coming

The report 'Gamedev in the Wroclaw Agglomeration' shows that the gamedev market in Wroclaw is developing dynamically and has prospects for further achievements. With the right support and cooperation between industry representatives and local authorities, it also has the potential to become one of the city's international showcases.

Wroclaw is attractive to the gaming industry because it has a very good educational offer, as well as a large community of studios, developers, and people involved in the industry affairs. The current gamedev is based on this main thing. Let's try to develop this, and this is our goal for the next few years.

Maciej Jacenik, ARAW

The report 'Gamedev in the Wroclaw Agglomeration' was prepared in cooperation with Dotlaw law firm, Coventry University Wroclaw and DiveInData.

The report is available here.

Did you know that?

10% of HQ gamedev studios in Poland are located in Lower Silesia
Wroclaw is the 3rd center in terms of the number of gamedev studios in Poland
76% of gamedev studios are companies of no more than 50 people
27% of games developed in Wroclaw are PC games
23% of studios are companies listed on the stock exchange
More than 1500 people work in the industry in Wroclaw