Brno Emerges as a Global Hub for Game Development and Gaming Hits

Brno: A New Era in Game Development

Brno, a city in the Czech Republic, is capturing global attention once again with its vibrant gaming industry. The recent release of "Mafia: The Old Country," published by 2K and developed by Hangar 13, marks a significant milestone for the city. Within only four days, the highly anticipated title sold approximately 800,000 copies, receiving positive reviews on platforms like Metacritic and Steam. This remarkable achievement positions Brno as a hotspot for AAA titles, bolstered by a thriving ecosystem that includes the Innovation Agency JIC.

Rising Stars in Gaming

Another testament to Brno's growing reputation is the tactical first-person shooter "Gray Zone Warfare" from Madfinger Games. This game stormed the Steam charts, achieving sales of 500,000 copies within its first four days and surpassing a million units sold overall. The studio's transition from mobile to PC gaming has been met with great success.

Brno's local talent pool is not just limited to established studios; innovative teams are also contributing to major titles. For instance, Fineway Studios played a vital role in the localization and voice acting for "Kingdom Come Deliverance II," creating the largest Czech voiceover for a game to date. In July 2025, Warhorse Studios expanded its operations by opening a new office in Brno, intending to leverage the area's deep reservoir of talent for ongoing and future content development.

New Voices in Filmmaking

Beyond gaming, a new wave of Czech filmmakers is stealing the spotlight. The horror-adventure game "Mourning Tide," crafted by local high school students, became an internet sensation after being featured by popular YouTube star Markiplier, who boasts over 37 million subscribers. The game's demo on Steam has garnered international interest, highlighting the creative potential emerging from Brno.

Additionally, indie developer David Konečný's "Dreadline Express" was awarded "Best Game" at the 2025 Indie Awards during Brno's Game Access Conference, a premier gathering in Central Europe. Both projects received support from Gamebaze, the country's first dedicated game incubator, which is also backed by JIC.

The Powerhouse of Game Development

With over 40 studios and more than 900 developers, Brno stands as one of Europe's most concentrated game development centers. Local PC games see an impressive average of 84% positive reviews on Steam, pointing to consistent quality and gamer engagement. The mobile gaming sector is thriving as well, with studios like Terahype, Tinysoft, Noxgames, and Alda Games achieving substantial revenues.

Key to these successes is a robust support system that includes quality education, the GameDev-Area community, the Gamebaze incubator, and the regional Game Cluster. This collaborative model has attracted attention across Europe and is being explored within the framework of the GAME-ER research project.

Brno is not just developing games; it is nurturing a whole culture and community around gaming and creative expression. With its unique blend of talent, innovation, and growing global presence, the city is poised to continue leading the charge in game development for years to come.