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HIPTHER Community Voices: Interview with the CEO and co-founder of Nordcurrent Victoria Trofimova

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In this edition of HIPTHER Community Voices, we talk with Victoria Trofimova, the CEO and co-founder of Nordcurrent, the biggest game studio to come out of Lithuania and the Baltics. Since starting the company in 2002, Victoria has led Nordcurrent from a small team to an international gaming success story — all without external funding.

She shares how key decisions like focusing on mobile games, building a diverse team, and staying true to their creative vision helped shape Nordcurrent’s growth. We also dive into how she’s helping put the Baltics on the global gaming map, supporting young talent, and what advice she has for the next generation of women leaders in tech.

 

Nordcurrent has grown into a Baltic powerhouse since its  founding in 2002. What were some of the pivotal moments that  shaped the studio’s identity and success—especially as a bootstrapped company?

One key moment was our decision to focus fully on mobile gaming early on. That shift, around 2010, allowed us to scale globally with titles like Cooking Fever, which became a long-term success story. Another pivotal step was building and retaining in-house capabilities, from development to marketing, while staying self-funded. Being bootstrapped taught us discipline, resilience, and how to make bold yet thoughtful decisions without external pressure.

 

You’ve scaled a 360-person team across multiple countries.  What have been the biggest challenges—and advantages—of  growing Nordcurrent without external funding?

The biggest challenge has been growth pacing. We had to build sustainably, without shortcuts. But that’s also been our advantage; we’ve kept creative control, built long-term trust with our team, and stayed focused on profitability and product quality. It’s a different rhythm, one that favors deep thinking over hype.

 

Diversity in gaming is still lagging behind. What concrete steps has Nordcurrent taken to drive inclusion, and how do you embed this into studio culture, hiring, and leadership?

We don’t overcomplicate it, we hire the best people who want to build great games with us. We don’t separate or label by gender, background, or title. If someone brings talent, drive, and a collaborative mindset, they belong here. That approach has naturally led to a diverse team, including strong female leadership across departments. We focus on creating an environment where everyone is treated equally, trusted, and heard.

 

You’ve spoken about attracting global talent to Lithuania and the Baltics. What makes the region appealing—and what misconceptions do you often have to overcome when recruiting internationally?

The Baltics offer a great work-life balance, strong tech ecosystems, and a tight-knit creative scene. But we still need to overcome outdated perceptions; for example, that it’s cold, isolated, or lacking opportunity. The truth is, Vilnius and other cities here are dynamic and are increasingly being recognized for innovation.

 

In such a saturated gaming market, how does Nordcurrent approach innovation and stay relevant without falling into trend-chasing?

We listen deeply. To players, to data, and to our instincts. With over two decades of experience, we’ve built a rich internal library of what works, what lasts, and what connects. Innovation for us isn’t about reinventing the wheel every time. It’s about layering insight, emotion, and cultural nuance onto strong foundations. We don’t chase trends, we ask how a game fits into people’s lives. That’s why titles like Airplane Chefs resonate. They’re familiar yet fresh, culturally rich but globally accessible. Years of learning has given us the confidence to trust our gut and the clarity to know when to try something bold.

 

From mobile hits to console and PC publishing—how has your portfolio strategy evolved, and how do you decide what kinds of games to invest in today?

Our mobile success gave us the freedom to diversify. With Nordcurrent Labs, we now publish PC and console games that align with our values: original IP, strong storytelling, and long-tail potential. We look for teams with vision and grit, whether it’s cozy games or narrative-rich adventures.

 

You recently acquired River End Games and the Cinemaware catalog. What’s the strategic thinking behind those moves, and what can players expect from these legacy properties going Forward?

River End Games brings deep narrative talent and AAA craftsmanship, which complements our publishing ambitions. With Cinemaware, we’re reimagining classics for a new generation. These acquisitions aren’t about nostalgia only, they’re about unlocking untapped creative value in ways that feel both respectful and bold.

 

How are you helping to nurture the next generation of game developers in the Baltics, and what role do you think studios should play in education or early talent development?

We take this responsibility seriously. As the largest Lithuania-born game developer, we feel a strong duty to help grow the industry, not just our studio. We actively collaborate with the Lithuanian Game Developers Association, support local game jams, and organize major meetups that bring the community together. Our goal is to make the gaming industry more visible, more accessible, and more appealing, especially to young people who may not yet see it as a real career path.

It’s not just about hiring talent, it’s about helping to create it. We believe studios should take an active role in popularizing the industry, opening doors, and building a future where game development is seen as a creative and respected profession.

 

You’re leading a company that’s rooted in Eastern Europe but competing on a global stage. How do you balance local values with global ambitions?

We don’t see it as a conflict. Our roots give us authenticity and resilience, and these are qualities that resonate globally. We build games that are grounded in strong craft and cultural richness but are universally relatable. Staying true to who we are has been our best strategy for going global.

 

And finally—what advice would you give to aspiring women leaders in tech and gaming who want to break into this industry and rise through the ranks?

Own your voice. You don’t need to fit a mold to lead. Surround yourself with people who challenge and support you. And remember, leadership isn’t just about a title, it’s about taking responsibility, lifting others, and staying curious. Tech and gaming need your perspective, and there’s room for you at the table.

The post HIPTHER Community Voices: Interview with the CEO and co-founder of Nordcurrent Victoria Trofimova appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

George Miller (Gyorgy Molnar) started his career in content marketing and has started working as an Editor/Content Manager for our company in 2016. George has acquired many experiences when it comes to interviews and newsworthy content becoming Head of Content in 2017. He is responsible for the news being shared on multiple websites that are part of the European Gaming Media Network.

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Wazdan Wins Volatility Virtuoso Crown at Slotsoo Game Provider Awards 2025

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Wazdan, the leading gain-focused developer, has been awarded the prestigious Volatility Virtuoso title at the Slotsoo Game Provider Awards 2025.

This win is further confirmation that when it comes to real innovation and serious gains, Wazdan continues to set the benchmark in the iGaming industry.

While others chase trends, Wazdan defines them.

This award doesn’t come as a surprise; it’s a natural result of consistently delivering bold, player-centric features that are built to drive engagement and maximise performance.

At the heart of this award lies Wazdan’s signature Volatility Levels™, a truly game-changing mechanic that hands control back to the player. Whether they’re after low-risk, steady wins or craving high-volatility, big-hit action, Wazdan’s games empower players to choose their own pace, their own style, and ultimately, their own gains.

But Volatility Levels™ isn’t the only customisation tool Wazdan offers in its games. Titles like 9 Coins™, Hot Slot™: 777 Cash Out, and many others benefit from Chance Level™, a feature engineered for performance, precision and boost in players’ retention.

Every mechanic that Wazdan brings to market is designed with a clear purpose: to maximise player engagement and deliver measurable gains for its partners.

Jakub Popanda, Lead Marketing Manager at Wazdan, said: “We believe that true innovation isn’t just about novelty, it’s about control, clarity, and consistent performance. Volatility Levels™ embodies this philosophy, giving players the freedom to define their own thrill, and operators the tools to unlock tangible growth. We’re honoured to have been recognised.”

The post Wazdan Wins Volatility Virtuoso Crown at Slotsoo Game Provider Awards 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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BETBY DELIVERS STRONG H1 2025 PERFORMANCE WITH CONTINUED COMBINED GROWTH ACROSS SPORTSBOOK AND BETBY.GAMES

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BETBY, a leading sportsbook supplier, has released its H1 2025 performance figures, showcasing solid growth across key verticals, including its proprietary esports feed BETBY.Games. These results highlight the provider’s product strength and growing global presence through both new and existing partnerships.

During the first half of the year, BETBY’s sportsbook delivered a strong performance, with Gross Gaming Revenue increasing by 472% compared to H1 2024. The number of active players across its partner network rose by 211%, reflecting the growing appeal of BETBY’s comprehensive sportsbook solution. Total bets placed also climbed by 277%, marking another period of high engagement across the platform.

Betby.Games, the supplier’s proprietary esports feed, also made a significant contribution to the company’s overall growth. The vertical achieved a 153% year-on-year increase in Gross Gaming Revenue and a near 57% rise in bets placed during the period. As a result, Betby.Games accounted for 14% of the company’s total GGR for H1 2025.

Leonid Pertsovskiy, Chief Executive Officer at BETBY, said: “H1 has been another important step forward for BETBY, with meaningful growth in both our sportsbook and esports verticals. We continue to innovate, scale, and support our partners’ ambitions by delivering products that perform, with Betby.Games’ performance demonstrating the underlying strength and potential of the vertical. As we look ahead, we remain focused on accelerating growth across all areas.”

To find out more about Betby, please visit: https://betby.com/

The post BETBY DELIVERS STRONG H1 2025 PERFORMANCE WITH CONTINUED COMBINED GROWTH ACROSS SPORTSBOOK AND BETBY.GAMES appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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STRIVE SECURES SBK X BRADFORD CITY DEAL TO DRIVE FAN-FOCUSED GROWTH

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Sports marketing consultancy Strive Sponsorship has brokered a new multi-year partnership between SBK, the sportsbook app from Smarkets, and Bradford City AFC, newly promoted to EFL League One. The collaboration aims to deepen fan engagement and drive measurable brand impact for SBK through content innovation and strategic alignment.

The deal positions SBK as one of Bradford City’s main partners and official betting sponsor. The partnership’s centrepiece is the launch of a new club podcast, designed to give fans exclusive behind-the-scenes access, nostalgic stories, and in-depth interviews with past and present figures from the club.

The tie-up follows an insight-led strategic review of the English football ecosystem conducted by Strive on SBK’s behalf. This review identified rights holders whose brand values, audience profile, and commercial proposition aligned with SBK’s mission to grow awareness and salience in a crowded betting market.

“It’s been an absolute pleasure supporting long-term client SBK throughout this process, said Malph Minns, Managing Director at Strive.

“They’ve really bought into the data-led, insight-driven methodology we’ve developed to guide partnerships that aren’t just visible—but valuable.

“The City team have been incredibly collaborative, and I’m excited to see the partnership come to life—especially with the podcast bringing fans closer to the club’s story.”

The deal showcases how Strive blends market intelligence, rights negotiation, and fan-focused activations to deliver partnerships that serve both brand objectives and supporter experience. For SBK, the podcast provides a powerful content platform to deliver long-term brand affinity, while Bradford City AFC benefits from a new media channel to build deeper connections with its loyal fanbase.

Adam Baylis, Marketing Director at SBK, said: “Strive undertook a data-led strategic review of English football for us over the summer, identifying opportunities that fit within a clear strategy to help us build brand awareness and brand salience.

“They also led on contract negotiations, securing us the rights we need to deliver value to the business.

“As a result of that work, we are thrilled SBK will be partnering with Bradford City AFC. Together, we will be bringing fans closer to the action and backing the Bantams every step of the way in what will be a really exciting season in Sky Bet League One.”

Davide Longo, Chief Commercial Officer at Bradford City AFC, added: “We are incredibly pleased to welcome SBK on board as the club’s official betting partner and will look forward to working closely with them over the next two seasons.

“The introduction of a Bradford City podcast will help bring supporters closer to their club, hearing stories from former players and other guests each month.

“Working with Strive has been an absolute pleasure. They are an incredibly thorough and professional outfit who are diligent in approach and work with a smile.”

The post STRIVE SECURES SBK X BRADFORD CITY DEAL TO DRIVE FAN-FOCUSED GROWTH appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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