Baltics
HIPTHER Community Voices: Interview with the CEO and co-founder of Nordcurrent Victoria Trofimova
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.
Digitain has been recognised as Best Sportsbook Provider at the HIPTHER Baltic & Nordics Gaming Awards 2026, showcasing its continued commitment to delivering high-performance sportsbook technology for operators across regulated markets.
The HIPTHER Baltic & Nordics Gaming Awards celebrate the operators, suppliers, technology innovators and industry leaders shaping the gaming ecosystem across the Baltic and Nordic regions. Receiving this award reflects Digitain’s ongoing investment in product innovation, trading excellence and technology designed to support long-term operator success.
Digitain’s sportsbook combines proprietary trading, advanced risk management, flexible localisation and scalable infrastructure, enabling operators to deliver competitive betting experiences across diverse markets.
This recognition is shared with the operators who trust Digitain to power their businesses and with the teams across a company whose expertise continues to drive innovation across every product and market.
As Digitain continues to expand its global presence, their mission remains unchanged: empowering ambitious operators with technology built for performance, partnership, and sustainable growth.
The post Digitain Named Best Sportsbook Provider at HIPTHER Baltic & Nordics Gaming Awards 2026 appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Comtrade Gaming, a leading iGaming platform provider delivering enterprise‑level technology for operators worldwide, announced a strategic partnership with 7bet to support the operator’s continued growth across Northern and Eastern Europe.
Under the agreement, 7bet will deploy Comtrade Gaming’s advanced iGaming platform to launch operations in Latvia and Estonia, as well as enter the newly regulated Finnish market upon its opening.
The partnership marks a significant milestone for both companies, combining 7bet’s strong regional presence with Comtrade Gaming’s proven platform capabilities, designed to deliver flexibility, compliance and high-performance player experiences.
Steven Valentine, Chief Commercial Officer at Comtrade Gaming, said: “We are delighted to partner with 7bet at such an exciting stage of their growth journey. This agreement reflects the strength and scalability of our iGaming platform, particularly in regulated and soon-to-regulate markets such as Finland. Supporting 7bet’s expansion across Latvia, Estonia, and Finland, highlights our ability to deliver seamless multi-market solutions for established operators who want to expand. We look forward to a long and successful collaboration.”
Justinas Sliazas, CEO of 7bet, said: “Partnering with Comtrade Gaming is a key step in our strategy to expand and strengthen our presence across regulated European markets. Their technology provides the flexibility and reliability we need to scale efficiently while maintaining a high-quality player experience. We are particularly excited about the opportunities in Finland and confident that this partnership positions us strongly for future growth.”
The collaboration underscores Comtrade Gaming’s continued momentum in regulated markets and reinforces its position as a trusted partner for ambitious operators seeking scalable, compliant and future-ready iGaming solutions.
The post Comtrade Gaming Announces Strategic Partnership with 7bet appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Baltics
HIPTHER Baltics 2026 Concludes Landmark Three-City Series, Bringing Together 430 Industry Leaders
HIPTHER proudly concludes the inaugural edition of its expanded HIPTHER Baltics 2026 conference series, successfully bringing together a total of 430 participants across three dedicated events in Vilnius, Riga, and Tallinn.
Building on the legacy of the MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit and introducing a new, country-focused format, HIPTHER Baltics 2026 delivered three high-impact conferences designed around the most pressing regulatory, technological, and business developments shaping the Baltic and Nordic regions. The series focused on creating meaningful dialogue between regulators, operators, fintech leaders, technology innovators, legal experts, investors, and compliance professionals.
The 2026 edition featured:
- HIPTHER Baltics: Vilnius – iGaming Regulation & Fintech Integration
- HIPTHER Baltics: Riga – Cross-Border Compliance & Player Protection
- HIPTHER Baltics & Nordics: Tallinn – Digital Governance & Startup Innovation
Vilnius: Exploring Lithuania’s Regulatory Transformation
The series launched on 21 April in Vilnius, where discussions focused on Lithuania’s evolving regulatory landscape and the increasing convergence of fintech, payments, blockchain, and iGaming.
Industry leaders examined topics including MiCA implementation, AML requirements, digital assets, banking transformation, tokenisation, AI adoption in financial services, next-generation payments, and the growing role of compliance in sustainable business growth. The event marked the beginning of a new chapter for Baltic-focused industry conversations and set the tone for the months ahead.
Riga: Regulation, Risk and Growth in a Changing Market
On 11 May, HIPTHER Baltics arrived in Riga, bringing together experts from gaming, fintech, legal, compliance, and technology sectors for a day dedicated to practical business realities.
Key conversations addressed responsible gaming, player protection, AML implementation, fraud prevention, AI in supervision and taxation, payments innovation, cross-border licensing, data protection, affiliate marketing, and the transition from traditional SEO to AI-powered discoverability. The Riga edition highlighted how businesses can remain compliant while continuing to innovate and grow in increasingly regulated environments.
Tallinn: Digital Governance Meets Innovation
The series concluded on 2 June in Tallinn, one of Europe’s most digitally advanced capitals.
The event explored the intersection of digital governance, startup ecosystems, digital identity, compliance, investment, fintech innovation, and iGaming. Discussions ranged from eIDAS 2.0 and trusted digital onboarding to sustainable player acquisition, operational partnerships, AI-powered business growth, and the future of digital societies.
Tallinn also hosted the HIPTHER Baltic & Nordics Gaming Awards 2026, celebrating excellence across operators, suppliers, technology providers, and industry leaders from the Baltic and Nordic regions.
Beyond Conferences: Building a Regional Community
Throughout all three events, participants benefited from curated networking opportunities and practical learning sessions through the HIPTHER Academy, HIPTHER’s educational platform focused on delivering hands-on skills, professional development, and industry certifications.
The combination of boutique-format events, high-level content, and meaningful networking once again demonstrated why the Baltics continue to attract increasing attention as a hub for innovation, regulation, and cross-border collaboration.
Looking Ahead – HIPTHER Baltics 2027
Reflecting on the success of the series, Zoltan Tündik, Co-Founder and Head of Business at HIPTHER, commented: “We are incredibly proud of what we achieved across the Baltics in 2026, but this is only the beginning. The success of the three-city series has provided us with valuable insights, feedback, and inspiration that we are already incorporating into the planning of HIPTHER Baltics 2027. The Baltics have a unique energy when it comes to business events, innovation, and networking, and we are excited to continue growing alongside this vibrant community. Our commitment remains the same: delivering meaningful conversations, practical learning opportunities, and exceptional networking experiences that bring together the region’s most influential stakeholders.”
After the successful completion of HIPTHER Baltics 2026 and the overwhelmingly positive feedback received from participants, the #hipthers team is already working on an exciting and enhanced next edition.
With the HIPTHER Warsaw Summit set to take place on 27–28 October 2026 and an ambitious roadmap for 2027–2030 already taking shape, HIPTHER continues its mission of connecting industries, markets, and ideas through premium learning, meaningful networking, and cross-border collaboration across Europe.
About HIPTHER
HIPTHER is a media hub and events organizer serving the Gaming and Technology industries, including Fintech, Blockchain, Crypto, AI, Cybersecurity, Compliance, and Digital Innovation. Through its conferences, media platforms, awards programs, and community initiatives, HIPTHER connects decision-makers, innovators, regulators, and business leaders across Europe and beyond.
The post HIPTHER Baltics 2026 Concludes Landmark Three-City Series, Bringing Together 430 Industry Leaders appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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