Uruguay is taking it seriously: the country is establishing itself as a global video game exporter

In an increasingly competitive and expanding global market—which exceeded US$187.7 billion in 2024—where millions of players consume content across multiple platforms, Uruguay has managed to make a name for itself with an unusual combination: small scale, but global impact. Far from the traditional major hubs, local studios managed to position their own titles in international rankings, accumulate millions of downloads, and establish stable relationships with publishers, platforms, and clients abroad.

Today, Uruguay is home to more than fifty active video game studios and a growing catalog of over 80 original titles. Behind this figure lies an industry focused almost exclusively on exports, with revenues reaching approximately US$10 million in 2023.

According to the new Video Game Business Case prepared by Uruguay XXI, this performance is no accident, as the Uruguayan video game industry developed in parallel with the growth of the technology sector and today relies on a solid foundation of digital services exports. Most local developments are geared toward international markets and, in many cases, benefit from a tax scheme that exempts exported software products from income tax—a key competitive advantage.

The ecosystem, moreover, shows signs of maturity. Production is concentrated primarily on PC, followed by mobile and consoles, with a strong presence of genres such as action and strategy, reflecting an industry that is no longer experimental but rather diversified and oriented toward specific market niches.

But if there is one argument the sector makes forcefully, it is its ability to generate globally recognized intellectual property. The most emblematic case is Ironhide Game Studio, creator of the Kingdom Rush series, which surpassed 44 million downloads and won multiple international awards. Joining this success story are studios such as Pomelo Games—with standout titles on Apple Arcade—and Batovi, which has managed to position itself on global platforms with offerings that reflect a local identity.

Innovative models are also emerging, such as Entrevero Games, a studio that works for international clients like Cartoon Network and Mattel and whose games exceed five million monthly plays on global platforms. Its cooperative structure, where all members are partners, introduces a production model rarely seen in the industry and reinforces the collaborative nature of the local ecosystem.

Beyond these success stories, the sector’s appeal lies in a set of structural conditions. Uruguay combines creative and technical talent with a high proportion of professionals who are fluent in English, facilitating international integration. Added to this is a digital infrastructure that ranks among the best in the region, featuring high connectivity levels, data centers, and international links that enable real-time collaboration with global teams.

Sustainability is also emerging as a key differentiator. With 98% of its energy mix based on renewable sources, the country offers conditions for software development with a lower carbon footprint—an aspect increasingly valued in the global technology industry.

At the same time, the sector is seeing institutional growth. The creation of the Uruguayan Chamber of Video Game Developers (CAVI) in 2016 helped align interests, promote internationalization, and establish a shared agenda among companies, academia, and public agencies. This is complemented by dedicated funds for prototype development and creative phases, as well as events and training opportunities that fuel the flow of new projects.

The domestic market, though limited, also offers significant indicators. About 28% of internet users in Uruguay play online video games, and roughly one-third make in-game purchases, generating an estimated market of US$50 million annually. More than the market size, what stands out is the behavior: sophisticated, diverse consumption with monetization potential.

In this context, the national strategy aims to consolidate video games as an export platform based on knowledge, creativity, and services. Participation in international trade shows, the development of a sector-specific platform such as Uruguay Video Games, and public-private partnerships reinforce a commitment that is no longer framed in terms of potential, but rather in terms of positioning.

The challenge moving forward does not seem to lie in demonstrating that Uruguay can produce competitive video games, but rather in scaling that capacity, sustaining growth, and consolidating a country brand associated with quality, innovation, and reliability in one of the most dynamic sectors of the digital economy.