Backed by policy support and talent development, the studio eyes partnerships with global publishers.
Today, Moldovan game development studio Paparuda Studio secured an investment of over €210,000 (4 million MDL) to develop its first internationally targeted video game, marking a new step in the country’s transition toward high-value digital industries.
Founded in 2026 by Victor Marchitan, Artiom Snegur, and Alex Culeva, Paparuda Studio represents a new generation of Moldovan developers moving beyond outsourcing to create original intellectual property (IP). The company plans to launch its first commercial game within the next 12–15 months, targeting global distribution platforms.
The studio focuses on the Indie and AA (double-A) segment, combining creative independence with advanced production capabilities.
Its first projects centre on cooperative (co-op) gaming experiences, designed to foster social interaction and collaborative gameplay.
The recent investment will support expanding the team from 5 to approximately 15–20 specialists, including programmers, game designers, and 2D/3D artists. Paparuda Studio is also exploring partnerships with internationally recognised publishers such as Devolver Digital and Team17, aiming to secure additional financing and global distribution opportunities.
The company is preparing to release its products on major platforms, including Sony PlayStation, Microsoft Xbox, and Nintendo.
“For us, game development is not only about creating games, but also about building a community and contributing to the development of a strong local industry. We aim to create products that can compete globally,” said Victor Marchitan, co-founder of Paparuda Studio.
The emergence of companies like Paparuda Studio reflects broader developments within Moldova’s technology and creative industries. Education and policy frameworks are playing a key role in supporting this growth.
Check out our earlier deep dive into the Moldovan tech ecosystem.
The Moldova State University (USM) has recently launched a dedicated bachelor’s degree program in Game Design, aimed at training future specialists in programming, 3D art, and animation — critical skills for the industry’s expansion.
At the same time, Moldova Innovation Technology Park (MITP) provides a competitive environment through its simplified 7 per cent tax regime, enabling companies to reinvest in product development and talent acquisition.
Moldova’s IT and creative industries continue to demonstrate strong growth:
- In 2025, the sector generated approximately $864 million, accounting for over a quarter of total service exports.
- Over the past five years, the sector has grown more than threefold.
- The IT sector represents approximately 5 per cent of total Foreign Direct Investment stock, which reached $6.3 billion in 2025.