270. Why This CEO Moved His Gaming Studio from London to Abu Dhabi
Feb 20, 2025
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Boris Kalnikov, CEO and Co-founder of Hype Masters, shares his exciting journey relocating his gaming studio from London to Abu Dhabi. He discusses the vibrant gaming ecosystem in Abu Dhabi, highlighting government incentives and tax benefits that enhance the appeal for studios. Boris also contrasts life in Abu Dhabi with London, focusing on shorter commutes and better living conditions. He explores the region's untapped gaming potential and the supportive community that fosters collaboration and innovation in the industry.
Boris Kalnikov's move from London to Abu Dhabi was driven by a desire for stability and Abu Dhabi's supportive gaming infrastructure.
The flourishing gaming community in Abu Dhabi offers diverse talent recruitment opportunities and vibrant networking, promoting collaboration and innovation.
Deep dives
Relocation to Abu Dhabi
The decision to relocate to Abu Dhabi was motivated by several factors, including the geopolitical climate and the desire for a stable base of operations. After the onset of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, maintaining an office in St. Petersburg became unfeasible, leading the founder to seek a new home for his gaming studio, Hype Masters. The appeal of Abu Dhabi was heightened by its supportive infrastructure for the gaming industry, high living standards, and a neutral environment welcoming to international talent. This strategic move allowed the team to enjoy face-to-face collaboration in a burgeoning gaming community that fosters growth and innovation.
Innovative Game Development Approach
Hype Masters specializes in developing real-time strategy games for mobile platforms, aiming to fill a niche in a market predominantly dominated by casual gaming. The company transitioned from their initial hyper-casual game attempts, which led to burnout within the team due to intense prototyping and testing. With a focus on sustainability, the studio has invested in refining gameplay and graphics for their flagship game, World War Armies, which is available on various platforms, including Steam. Revenue and marketing spend have been on the rise, demonstrating the studio's successful adaptation to the gaming market and the growing interest from players.
Advantages of the Abu Dhabi Ecosystem
Operating in Abu Dhabi offers several advantages for gaming studios, including access to a diverse talent pool and an attractive visa process for bringing in international employees. Hype Masters has successfully recruited top talent from across the globe, including experts from major gaming companies like Ubisoft. The thriving community in Abu Dhabi means continuous networking opportunities and a vibrant ecosystem that encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing. With ongoing government investment in the gaming sector, the region is positioned to become a prominent hub for game development, attracting both established studios and emerging talent.
Community and Lifestyle in Abu Dhabi
Living in Abu Dhabi provides a unique environment that balances work and personal life, particularly for families and individuals over 30 seeking a stable lifestyle. The city's infrastructure supports a comfortable living with access to excellent schools, healthcare, and recreational opportunities. The founder emphasizes participation in local sports and triathlon communities as a means to build social connections, contributing to a sense of belonging. Overall, Abu Dhabi offers a blend of cultural experiences, outdoor activities, and a supportive expatriate community, making it an appealing destination for professionals in the gaming industry.
đź”— Connect with Boris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boris-kalmykov-7ba38065/
We chat with Boris Kalnikov, CEO & Co-founder of Hype Masters, about relocating his gaming studio from London to Abu Dhabi. Boris shares his journey with World War Armies, the challenges of remote work, and why he chose Abu Dhabi as his new home.
We dive into Abu Dhabi’s rise as a gaming hub, its government incentives, and the realities of running a studio in the region—from tax benefits to hiring talent and lifestyle changes. Whether you’re a developer, founder, or just curious about gaming in the Middle East, this episode has key insights you won’t want to miss.
Timestamps:
⏳ [00:00] Why Boris left London for Abu Dhabi
🏗️ [06:00] Building a gaming studio in a new ecosystem
đź’° [20:00] What incentives and funding opportunities are available?
⚖️ [27:00] Abu Dhabi vs. London: Cost of living, taxes & hiring
🎮 [40:00] The future of gaming in Abu Dhabi
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