IPKO Foundation part of Western Balkans Digital Summit 2022 

This year, IPKO Foundation will be part of the 5th Western Balkans (WB6) Digital Summit, which will be organized on the high-level and in-person platforms, on the 21st and 22nd of September in Pristina.

During the Summit, IPKO Foundation will organize the next edition of the Game Jam 48 hours Workshop, which will be organized on 19th – 21st September 2022. This attractive workshop invites everyone from the Western Balkans who is interested in making games - not just playing, but indeed creating and developing games, to join in creating playable prototypes.
Additionally, the top 3 will be rewarded with prizes totaling 3'000 euros! All interested candidates in creating and developing games aged 18 – 30 can apply HERE. Deadline: September 4, 2022!

The video game industry has seen immense growth over the last decade and continues to grow today through new technology, new types of games, and new sources of revenue. Emerging markets such as Kosovo have already gained a piece of this market and are positioned to achieve more. During the Summit, IPKO Foundation will bring the latest video game development industry trends by organizing a Game Jam 48 hours workshop with youngsters from Western Balkans. 

Today, nearly every device, from mobile phones to high-end computers, comes with pre-installed video games, with millions of dollars spent by consumers in acquiring more. Such growth and the newfound ubiquitousness of digital distribution and virtual collaboration tools have created a need for skilled video game developers and designers worldwide. Young people can work for local and regional companies, work remotely for companies in other countries, and set up their own development companies. Kosovo is at an early stage and needs a boost from all the institutions to catch up with the rest of the world.

While a handful of companies in Kosovo have had modest success in game development, most game developers come to game development as a hobby rather than a vocation. They may take a few online courses and teach themselves through online tutorials or videos. Some come together throughout the year for informal Game Jams to learn from one another. Rarely do they have access to workplace-based skills development or structured curricula in universities or government or organizational-funded programs.

A Game Jam is an event where game developers prototype experimental ideas into playable games. This game jam aims to introduce different and new aspects of game creation, support networking between established game developers and those looking to enter the industry, provide a glimpse into the everyday professional life in the industry and increase the number of women participants. IPKO Foundation and the game community in Kosovo have hosted Game Jams since 2018 with only two participants, and each year demand is greater than the available seats.

Building on the experience of the high-level regional dialogue on digital transformation, the Western Balkans Digital Summit 2022 will be held in the framework of the Berlin Process and the Common Regional Market Action Plan for the Western Balkans adopted in Sofia in November 2020.