Brno: A Rising Hub for Game Development and Global Successes like Mafia

Brno: The Emerging Powerhouse of Game Development

Brno, the capital city of Czech Republic's game development scene, is once again in the spotlight. The recent release of Mafia: The Old Country, published by 2K and developed by Hangar 13, highlights the city's growing prominence in the global gaming industry. In a remarkable feat, this fourth installment in the acclaimed Mafia series sold approximately 800,000 copies within just four days of its debut, receiving positive reviews on platforms like Metacritic and Steam.

This achievement underscores Brno's status as a hub for AAA gaming titles, fueled by a thriving ecosystem that includes the JIC innovation agency, which plays a crucial role in fostering new talent and innovative ideas.

Showcasing Local Talent

Apart from Mafia, Brno has been home to other successful gaming projects. For instance, Gray Zone Warfare, a tactical FPS by Madfinger Games, surged to the top of Steam charts shortly after its launch in April 2024. This title exceeded 500,000 sales in just four days and broke the one million mark soon after, successfully transitioning from mobile to PC.

Brno's gaming scene extends beyond blockbuster titles. Local studios have contributed to various projects, including Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, where Fineway Studios handled the game's Czech voiceover and localization, achieving one of the most comprehensive voice productions ever. Moreover, Warhorse Studios recently established a new office in Brno to bolster ongoing development and future DLC production by tapping into the region's rich talent pool.

A New Wave of Creativity

The Czech Republic is also witnessing a surge of innovative creators emerging from Brno. One standout is Mourning Tide, a horror fishing adventure game developed by high school students, which gained viral attention after featuring on YouTube star Markiplier's channel, boasting over 37 million subscribers. The game's Steam demo has garnered international interest.

In the indie gaming sphere, David Konečný's Dreadline Express took home the award for Best Game at the 2025 Indie Awards during the Game Access Conference in Brno, the largest industry gathering in Central Europe. Both projects received substantial support from Gamebaze, the nation’s first game incubator sponsored by the JIC agency, fostering local creative efforts.

The Gaming Powerhouse of Europe

With over 40 studios employing more than 900 developers, Brno is one of the most concentrated game development centers in Europe. Local PC titles maintain impressive ratings, averaging 84% in reviews on Steam, showcasing a consistent level of quality that resonates with players. Moreover, mobile gaming continues to thrive in Brno, with studios such as Terahype, Tinysoft, Noxgames, and Alda Games generating millions in revenue.

The success of these ventures reflects a robust support system in Brno, characterized by strong training programs, the GameDev Area community, and regional Game Cluster initiatives. This collaborative approach has caught the attention of the broader European gaming community, making it a case study in the GAME-ER research project.

Brno's journey highlights its potential as a key player in the global gaming industry, as it not only delivers chart-topping titles but also nurtures the next generation of game developers. As the city continues to innovate and inspire, the world will be watching closely to see what comes next from this vibrant hub.