Gaming as a driver of innovation, education, and economic growth – an opportunity Bosnia and Herzegovina cannot afford to miss

The gaming industry is no longer just about entertainment; it has become a critical economic sector, creating jobs, sparking innovation, and redefining educational methods. Leading experts and enthusiasts from across the region discussed this potential at a conference in Mostar, showcasing the opportunities that the gaming industry holds for Bosnia and Herzegovina and neighboring countries.

Today’s video games, powered by advanced technology and creativity, are shaping our understanding of the world, expanding our perception, and becoming tools for learning and skill development. The gaming industry unites professionals from various fields – programmers, designers, artists, musicians, legal experts, and managers – each playing a vital role in creating interactive and unforgettable experiences. It’s clear that gaming is not just a hobby; it is a profession demanding multidisciplinary skills and offering growth opportunities in diverse directions.

In her presentation, Andreja Šeperac from SIMORA in Croatia introduced the GAIN project, aimed at establishing gaming industry infrastructure and supporting young talent. This project has the potential to create a platform for developing gaming centers in the region, allowing new generations to build their skills, start businesses, and create innovative products.

GAIN draws inspiration from the PISMO incubator in Novska, Croatia, but also from similar examples close to home, like Serbia’s Nordeus in Belgrade, which has already stimulated economic growth and created opportunities for young people.

The gaming industry brings innovative learning methods. Thanks to technologies like Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), students can explore historical events, biological processes, or geographical landscapes like never before. Educational systems increasingly recognize the advantages of gamification – using game elements in learning to motivate and engage students. Imagine a school where students can “visit” ancient Greece through VR or simulate biological experiments in a safe virtual lab. Gaming is revolutionizing education, making it more interactive and tailored to the needs of today’s generation.

Beyond education, the gaming industry is emerging as a career platform in Bosnia and Herzegovina. With global demand for professionals in this sector on the rise, young professionals have the chance to stay in the country, build their skills, and contribute to the local economy. The gaming industry offers roles across various fields – from creative positions like designers and writers to technical roles such as programmers and engineers, as well as business positions, including managers and marketing experts.

Gaming centers, like the one planned through the GAIN project, create platforms that unite people with the potential to transform the world: young talents, innovators, and entrepreneurs. These centers are not just workspaces; they become incubators for ideas, labs for innovation, and bridges connecting local industries with global markets. They offer a space for interdisciplinary collaboration, where artists, programmers, audio engineers, animators, and others can work together to create new worlds and experiences. Through such centers, Bosnia and Herzegovina has the opportunity to develop its gaming industry, attracting investment and contributing to cultural richness and global recognition.

The gaming industry is already transforming economies worldwide, and the potential for Bosnia and Herzegovina is immense. At the kick-off conference in Mostar, it was concluded that Bosnia and Herzegovina has the talent, creativity, and resources needed for growth in this sector. But achieving this potential requires collaboration – between industry, academia, and the public sector.

The gaming industry offers an opportunity Bosnia and Herzegovina cannot afford to miss. If you’re interested in developing the gaming industry, have an idea, or want to be part of this revolution, contact INTERA Technology Park at gaming@intera.ba. It’s time to build a future together where gaming is not just entertainment but a foundation for economic and cultural development.

The project is co-financed by funds from the European Union through the Interreg VI-A IPA Program Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro 2021-2027.

November 07, 2024