Cyprus has launched a new trade organisation to represent its growing game development sector. The Cyprus Game Developers Association — CYGMA — brings together six major studios operating on the island, creating a unified voice for local developers and positioning the country as a serious destination for international game projects.
The founding lineup includes Wargaming, Gaijin Entertainment, Owlcat Games, My.Games, Helio Games, and GDCy. Between them, these studios cover everything from massive PC and console titles to mobile and casual games, representing a substantial chunk of Cyprus's development scene.
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What CYGMA actually plans to do
The association exists to make life easier for developers working in Cyprus. That means facilitating knowledge sharing between studios, improving communication across the local industry, and actively promoting the island to international developers looking for a stable base of operations. CYGMA also plans to work directly with universities to strengthen education and research programs, feeding more trained talent into the local industry.
On the advocacy side, CYGMA will push for better regulatory and legal frameworks. The goal is to create conditions that support both established studios and new developers trying to get a foothold in Cyprus.
Who's running it
The board of directors pulls from each founding studio. Anton Yudintsev represents Gaijin Entertainment, Ilya Karpinskiy represents Owlcat Games, Sergey Orlovskiy is from Helio Games, Roman Zanin represents Wargaming, and Elena Grigorian represents My.Games. George Mountis of Chrysostomides & Co LLC serves as board secretary. Andrey Ivashentsev of GDCy holds dual roles as both a board member and the general manager of CYGMA.
This structure gives the association a direct line to the studios it represents and a clear chain of command for coordinating initiatives across the island's development ecosystem.
Cyprus making a play for game dev legitimacy
CYGMA's formation signals Cyprus is serious about carving out a place in the global game development landscape. By combining industry expertise, educational partnerships, and direct regulatory advocacy, the association is building the infrastructure needed to support both homegrown studios and international projects looking for a European base.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is CYGMA?
CYGMA is the Cyprus Game Developers Association, a trade organisation created to represent and support game developers in Cyprus.
Which companies founded CYGMA?
Founding members include Wargaming, Gaijin Entertainment, Owlcat Games, My.Games, Helio Games, and GDCy.
Who leads CYGMA?
Andrey Ivashentsev of GDCy has been appointed general manager, while the board of directors features representatives from each founding studio.
What are CYGMA's main goals?
CYGMA aims to foster collaboration among local developers, promote Cyprus as a game development hub, improve regulatory frameworks, and support education and talent development.
How will CYGMA support local talent?
The association plans to collaborate with universities and research institutions to strengthen education, provide industry insights, and create opportunities for emerging game developers.
