Paparuda Studio, a newly founded game development company based in Chișinău, Republic of Moldova, has secured an investment of over 4 million MDL to develop its first internationally targeted video game. The funding marks a notable step in Moldova’s shift toward high-value digital industries.
Victor Marchitan, Artiom Snegur, and Alex Culeva founded the studio in 2026. The team plans to launch its first commercial game within 12 to 15 months, targeting global distribution platforms across the Indie and AA (double-A) segment. Its initial projects focus on cooperative gaming experiences built around social interaction and collaborative play.
Investment to Expand Team and Target Global Platforms
The 4 million MDL investment will fund team growth from 5 to approximately 15 to 20 specialists, including programmers, game designers, and 2D/3D artists. Paparuda Studio is also exploring partnerships with publishers Devolver Digital and Team17 to secure additional financing and distribution reach.
The studio is preparing to release its products on Sony PlayStation, Microsoft Xbox, and Nintendo. These platform targets signal an intent to compete in the mainstream global market rather than remain limited to PC storefronts.
Education and Policy Supporting Sector Growth
Moldova State University (USM) recently launched a dedicated bachelor’s degree program in Game Design, covering programming, 3D art, and animation. The program aims to train specialists needed as the local gaming industry expands.
Moldova Innovation Technology Park (MITP) also supports studios through a simplified 7% tax regime, allowing companies to reinvest more capital into product development and hiring. This regulatory structure has attracted a growing number of technology firms to the country.
Moldova’s IT Sector Posts Strong Numbers
Moldova’s IT and creative industries generated approximately USD 864 million in 2025, accounting for over a quarter of total service exports. The sector has grown more than threefold over the past five years, according to figures cited by Invest Moldova Agency.
The IT sector represents approximately 5% of total Foreign Direct Investment stock, which reached USD 6.3 billion in 2025. These figures reflect a broader shift in the country’s economy toward knowledge-based industries.
“For us, game development is not only about creating games, but also about building a community and contributing to the development of a strong local industry. We aim to create products that can compete globally.”
Victor Marchitan, Co-founder, Paparuda Studio
Outlook for Moldova’s Game Development Industry
Invest Moldova Agency, the government body responsible for promoting investment and exports, said the growth of studios like Paparuda Studio reflects the country’s increasing capacity to produce complex digital products. The agency actively supports high-value sectors including IT, creative industries, and game development.
With a skilled workforce and a supportive regulatory environment, Moldova is positioning itself as an emerging destination for investment in digital and creative industries. The next 12 to 15 months will serve as a key test of whether Paparuda Studio can deliver on its global ambitions.
