BGDA Founded in Burgas: Bulgarian Game Industry Takes a Step

In the heart of a bustling technology forum, in the seaside city of Burgas, the Bulgarian game industry took a historic step. The establishment of the Bulgarian Game Developers Association (BGDA) took place in the Congress Center. This event, marked with solemnity, was part of the large-scale event Burgas Digital 2025.

The initiative, supported by the Municipality of Burgas and DIGIHUB, sets the ambitious goal of transforming Burgas into a technology hub, a center for the development of the game industry in Bulgaria. The atmosphere was charged with optimism and anticipation. The symbolic opening was performed by Sergey Punchev, newly elected president of the association and a leading visionary in the field of game art in Bulgaria.

The newly created organization unites a significant number of companies, independent teams, and freelancers, all of them engaged in the development of video games in Bulgaria. Behind this unifying initiative are ambitious goals. Among the main priorities are: support and advocacy for Bulgarian studios and professionals at national and international levels; organizing community meetings, game jams, and conferences; partnerships with schools and universities for the development of young talents; as well as the preparation of reports and studies for the sustainable development of the sector.

Only days after its establishment, BGDA demonstrated its quick reaction, realizing its first international appearance. The association participated in the Mobidictum Conference 2025 in Istanbul. With the support of the Municipality of Burgas, BGDA presented four of its members - Vertexbee, Punchev Studio, The Pact, and 7Arts, presenting the potential of the Bulgarian game scene to an international audience. The event in Istanbul underlines the organization's ambition to establish itself on the global scene and to promote Bulgarian gaming.

The Bulgarian game industry can boast over 25 years of history. Around 50 studios operate in the country, and over 1,200 professionals are employed in the sector. A significant number of universities and academies are training personnel in the fields of game design, programming, and digital arts, which creates a solid foundation for sustainable industry growth. This is clear evidence of the potential and prospects for Bulgarian gaming.