A Unique Location For The Gaming Industry: Izmir
By: Gokhan Kilci
Tags: Startup, Izmir, Investment, Mobile Games, Game Development

Due to the difference in exchange rates, especially the rising star of the game industry in recent years it has become equivalent to a game studio in almost every metropolitan cities in Turkey Istanbul doubt that if we came in leadership as in most sectors is not lost on anyone here.

With its incredible population density and dozens of universities that can train staff for the gaming industry, Istanbul, which has become the center of many popular gaming companies, is followed by Ankara, especially with the great support of METU-ATOM for a long time.

Although Izmir has lagged behind in terms of quantity, it is a city that has proven that it has been providing large and permanent companies to the gaming industry for years.

Cappuccino, Digitoy, Masomo, Ruby Games, and Uncosoft, that still is home to companies, in the future, this number exponentially could increase and new games venture into the open arms can clearly widely but is Izmir’s both the world why a great city for the gaming industry in Turkey Let’s talk about it.

Economy

The game industry gets its strength from a strong team. A strong team consists of talented teammates. Izmir is in the position of a city that continues to give brain drain to Istanbul, Ankara and abroad in most sectors. The main reason for this has been that Izmir companies have not been able to provide qualified personnel with a satisfactory salary like other cities for years.

As the gaming industry earns its income from net foreign exchange, not from old-fashioned trade, the difference in salary between cities disappears, while Izmir is a cheaper city in terms of accommodation, basic and social needs compared to other metropolitan cities; It is a very special item for this sector to receive more brain drain and to protect the existing talents.

The fact that the comfortable and central office rents are very convenient compared to other cities, relaxes the hands of game entrepreneurs in one of the most basic expense items.

University Effect

The existence of universities with both software and visual arts departments such as Ege University, 9 Eylül University, Izmir Institute of Technology, Izmir University of Economics, Yaşar University is undoubtedly one of the blessings for the gaming industry.

However Izmir Economy game development courses offered at the University have, for a long time again at this university Turkey’s most popular Global Game Jam held consists of organizations in directing young people to the gaming industry and one of the important period to accelerate the adaptation process.

The fact that other universities are gradually starting to include game development in their course content or graduation projects, many game companies cooperating with universities and the width of the internship portfolio are among the factors that help students find a job in the gaming industry as soon as they graduate, and indirectly keeps Izmir dynamic in the gaming industry.

Being from Izmir

No matter what anyone says, being born and growing up in Izmir is very different from other cities. The priority for the people of Izmir is their comfort and ability to spare time for themselves. Families also raise their children with this awareness. It is a fact accepted in various platforms that the youth of Izmir are very different in terms of socio-cultural aspects. This comfort and the ability to spare time for themselves, parents do not like to put pressure on their children, and young people have been intertwined with computer, console or mobile phone games since childhood.

Entering the game industry goes through playing a lot of games and growing up with this industry since childhood. For this reason, young people from Izmir are more willing and more inclined to turn to the gaming industry.

Living Standards

Izmir is Turkey’s most special and livable city. That is why Izmir residents cannot either leave Izmir or return to Izmir wherever the economic conditions are met.

1.Transportation

There is no transportation problem in Izmir, especially it cannot be compared with Istanbul. With the convenience of public transportation, you can go from one end of the city to the other in 45 minutes, which is a very long time for Izmir residents. The convenience of accessing a central office does not take unnecessary time and energy of employees.

2.Climate

Yes, the summers can be very hot, but the climate in the remaining months is quite mild. The roads are not blocked due to the snow, and the weather conditions are suitable for walking by the sea on a rainy winter day.

3.Peer Pressure

Izmir is Turkey’s most modern city. People are helpful and friendly. Nobody puts pressure on anyone because of issues such as race, belief or language. It is modern and innovative. This provides great comfort for those coming to Izmir from another city.

4.Entertainment and Social Activities

Since it includes all kinds of social activities, it is not possible for people to get bored in Izmir. The game industry is fun at its core. It is unlikely that a company that does not absorb entertainment will be successful in this sector.

5.Centrality

Being on the edge of the Aegean Sea, being close to summer spots such as Çeşme, Foça, Urla, Seferihisar, hosting a world wonder like Ephesus and many others, you can easily reach many relaxation areas. It is 1 hour away from Istanbul by plane and 4.5 hours by road. In short, the morning commute from Izmir on Turkey’s business center, you can easily turn the evening.

Technopark, Investment Supports and Events

In addition to technological centers such as Depark, Technopark Izmir, Bilimpark and EBİLTEM, almost every university has its own incubator center. This helps entrepreneurs from Izmir on many issues, especially financially.

The majority of Izmir-based investment companies, the interest of institutions such as the Chamber of Commerce and IZKA in the gaming industry, the recent rising game events with the support of the municipality, small or large game development competitions, and the training of institutions such as Capp Academy that create employment by including young people in the game industry Izmir exceedingly meets the demands of existing game companies or those aiming to establish a new company in this field.