TEHNOBIZ Andrej Levenski

The gaming industry might seem like a global monolith, but behind the blockbusters are often smaller studios navigating immense challenges to carve out a niche. Andrej Levenski, from the Croatian studio Gamepires, has spent nearly a decade at the forefront of this high-stakes world, attending Gamescom, the world's largest gaming fair, nine times. He recounts the early days as 'like orphans with backpacks,' hustling for meetings and networking late into the night. His experience reveals the stark realities of competing on a global stage: the astronomical costs of trade shows, the complexities of international taxation, and the relentless pressure to build a brand that stands out against multi-million dollar titles. Levenski's story isn't just about survival; it's about how a small national industry found strength in unity. Realizing that global competitors were a far greater threat than any local rivalry, Croatian studios began sharing strategies for dealing with publishers and users. This shift from isolated struggle to collective action allowed them to secure better funding and present a united front at major events like Gamescom. Readers will consider how even in highly competitive, globalized sectors, the most effective path forward can often lie in unexpected local collaboration and a clear-eyed understanding of what it takes to earn user trust over time.