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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.

 

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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.

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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?

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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.

 

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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.

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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.

 

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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.

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

Baltics

Push Gaming levels up in Latvia and Estonia with OlyBet

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Push Gaming continues to grow in the Baltic region thanks to its latest commercial partnership with OlyBet.

The agreement with the number one gaming and entertainment brand in the Baltics now offers Push Gaming’s complete range of popular slots to players throughout Latvia and Estonia. Key titles from the Razor Shark and Retro series are now available, along with highly anticipated releases such as Wild Swarm Triple Hive and Bamboo Ways, due to launch soon.

Launching with OlyBet follows other recent European growth for Push Gaming in Bulgaria, Spain, and Serbia, and maintains Push Gaming’s ambitious strategy in regulated markets.

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Andy Bentley, Chief Operating Officer at Push Gaming, said: “Having our content live with market leaders such as Olybet is a key pillar of our commercial strategy. OlyBet provides us with a fantastic partnership and a shared ambition to grow in both regions.

“We’re scaling our collaborations globally to meet player demand, and our thriving relationship with the leading brand in Latvia and Estonia is another important milestone in our progress.”

Tomas Graham, Chief Operations Officer at OlyBet, added: “The added strength of Push Gaming’s slots in our lobby is considerable, and we’re delighted to have them available for our players.

“It is essential for us to offer the best games available to ensure OlyBet provides the best experience possible and remains the first choice in entertainment across each market.”

The post Push Gaming levels up in Latvia and Estonia with OlyBet appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Baltics

HIPTHER Joins Forces with Ace Alliance as Strategic Media Partner – Kicking Off with Ace Alliance Riga 2025

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HIPTHER proudly announces its Strategic Media Partnership with Ace Alliance, the dynamic iGaming media hub under the Revpanda Group. This new collaboration begins with the highly anticipated Ace Alliance Riga 2025, taking place on August 14–15 in the heart of the Baltics.

Ace Alliance has quickly emerged as a force in the iGaming community, connecting professionals through curated events and immersive experiences. HIPTHER, the parent brand behind several of Europe’s most respected media outlets and boutique conferences in Gaming and Technology, is excited to support and amplify Ace Alliance’s vision through its online media outlets.

 

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Supporting Real Connections at Ace Alliance Riga 2025

Ace Alliance Riga 2025 is designed for real conversations, real experiences, and real growth. With over 500 iGaming professionals expected, this two-day summer getaway in Riga offers a refreshing approach to networking – blending business and leisure for lasting impact.

From a private Daugava River cruise and executive business brunch to guided cultural walks and legendary parties, VIP ticket holders are treated to high-value interactions in an unforgettable setting. Keynotes from respected industry voices like Alexandre Tomic will further fuel strategic thinking and innovation.

HIPTHER will actively support the visibility and promotion of Ace Alliance’s events – beginning with this Riga edition – across its expansive global media network. In return, Ace Alliance becomes an official Media Partner for HIPTHER’s lineup of exciting conferences.

Zoltán Tűndik, Co-Founder and Head of Business at HIPTHER, stated about the partnership: At HIPTHER, we thrive on identifying and supporting meaningful movements in the industry, and Ace Alliance is exactly that. Their community-first approach, creative event format, and focus on authentic connections make them a standout new player in the media and events space. We’re thrilled to support their growth and extend the experience to our audiences across Europe and beyond.”

 

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Get Ready for a Summer to Remember

With limited VIP passes still available and sponsorship spots quickly filling up, now is the time to secure your place. Stay tuned to HIPTHER’s channels for upcoming announcements, featured stories, and an exclusive discount code for our audience.

Join the experience at Ace Alliance Riga 2025:
👉 https://acealliance.com/events/riga-2025/

Let the networking begin!

The post HIPTHER Joins Forces with Ace Alliance as Strategic Media Partner – Kicking Off with Ace Alliance Riga 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Baltics

Peter & Sons Launches Top Titles on NinjaCasino.se

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Content deal expands reach in Nordics and Baltics

Award-winning game studio Peter & Sons has bolstered its presence in the Nordics and Baltics via an eye-catching new content deal with Entain-owned NinjaCasino.se, a leading online casino brand in the region.

Peter & Sons’ unique and highly inventive portfolio of weird and wonderful slots is now live on NinjaCasino.se, including player favorites such Barbarossa Revenge, Ghostfather – Awakened, Boom Farm, Gunpowder, Wild Duel, Xibalba, Blood Club, Epic Hellas, Mutagenes, Evil Devil, Dungeon Tower & Potion Power.

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Known for their hand-drawn animation style, original cinematic soundtracks, and unique gameplay mechanics, Peter & Sons’ games are some of the most strikingly original on the market today.

With an unwavering commitment to the “anti-boring,” the Maverick Barcelona-based studio builds games that dare to be different, with an emphasis on storytelling, audio-visual excellence and pure playability.

This milestone marks a significant step in Peter & Sons’ European growth strategy and further strengthens its relationship with Entain. The studio continues to expand its reach across regulated markets via strategic partnerships with tier-one operators.

Yann Bautista, Commercial Director and Founder at Peter & Sons said: “We’ve always strived to craft games that stand out not just visually, but in how they play and engage. Ninja Casino has always had a cool, edgy vibe, and that fits our style. This partnership gives us a fantastic opportunity to connect with a new audience that we believe will really appreciate what we do.”

Andreas Larsson, Casino Manager at Ninja Casino said: “We are always looking to enrich our games lobby with content that delivers something different. Peter & Sons is a studio we’ve admired from afar for some time. Their distinctive visual style, innovative game mechanics, and consistent production quality make them a standout developer in today’s crowded market.”

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The post Peter & Sons Launches Top Titles on NinjaCasino.se appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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