DIGIAGE 9th Game Development Camp Concludes at Bilişim Vadisi İzmir
Young Game Developers from Across Türkiye Gathered in İzmir
Bilişim Vadisi İzmir hosted the DIGIAGE 9th Game Development Camp from April 13–18, 2025. The event attracted record interest with over 800 applications, and 250 talented young developers from 24 different cities were selected to participate. Bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, and academics interested in the game industry, the camp injected fresh energy into Türkiye’s gaming ecosystem.
DIGIAGE İzmir: The Intersection of Education, Mentorship, and Investment
Participants took part in a one-month online training program prior to the camp. During the event, they attended workshops and seminars on game design, software development, animation, publishing, and game law. With the support of experienced mentors, young developers refined their projects and presented them to potential investors.
Game Developer Teams Presented Their Projects on Demo Day
The most anticipated part of the camp, Demo Day, was held on Friday, April 18. Major players in the industry such as Bilişim Vadisi GSYF, APY Ventures, and prominent game publishers attended to evaluate promising new projects. Notable figures like Deputy Minister of Industry and Technology Muhammet Kasım Gönüllü, Izmir Institute of Technology Rector Prof. Dr. Yusuf Baran, and Bilişim Vadisi CEO Erkam Tüzgen also took the stage to inspire young entrepreneurs.
Türkiye Among Top 5 Globally in Game Entrepreneurship
Deputy Minister Muhammet Kasım Gönüllü emphasized Türkiye’s growing success in the gaming industry: “The global gaming market is approaching a size of $200 billion, and Türkiye has become a key player. In 2024, the Turkish game industry grew by 40%, exceeding $800 million. This achievement has placed Türkiye among the top 5 countries in game entrepreneurship worldwide.”
Rector Baran to Developers: “Dream Big and Never Give Up”
Prof. Dr. Yusuf Baran encouraged young developers with these words: “In an era where high technology and AI take center stage, we all have great responsibilities. Carrying this weight is only possible by dreaming big and working relentlessly.”
DIGIAGE: More Than Game Development—It’s About Succeeding Together
Bilişim Vadisi CEO Erkam Tüzgen underlined that DIGIAGE is not just a technical initiative but a cultural one: “We didn’t just tell participants to develop games—we encouraged them to learn, experiment, and create together. Because those who dream together change the world. With applications from 42 cities, it’s clear that young people across Türkiye are passionate about technology production. DIGIAGE is on its way to becoming a hub not only in Türkiye but also across Europe and the region.”
DIGIAGE Becomes Türkiye’s Leading Game Investment Fund in 2024
According to the Startups Watch Gaming Snapshot report, DIGIAGE became the most active game investment fund in Türkiye in 2024 with six major investments. The projects developed during the İzmir camp are supported by a strong network of mentors and investors, preparing them for success in global markets.
A Camp Built on Collaboration, Sharing, and Creativity
Beyond technical growth, participants embraced teamwork, project management, and a collaborative culture. Students from diverse disciplines—including psychology, art, engineering, and communication—came together to create innovative and human-centered game projects.
DIGIAGE: A Launchpad for Young Developers’ Careers
Held for the first time at Bilişim Vadisi’s İzmir campus, this game development camp provided young developers with a powerful launchpad for their careers. As Bilişim Vadisi continues to expand Türkiye’s technological vision through the gaming sector, it remains committed to supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs.
