The video game sector in Uruguay continues to establish itself as a strategic industry within the digital economy.
This is the conclusion of a report on the video game business case prepared by Uruguay XXI: the country has totaling $10 million and a domestic market estimated at $50 million, within a global market worth over $187.7 billion.
The same study also notes that, despite its small domestic market, the country has managed to make inroads into the global video game market, with more than 50 video game development companies or teams and 80 active titles.
According to an article published by Uruguay XXI, these results are attributable to the sector’s growth in tandem with the technology sector, its focus on the international market, and tax incentives for software exports.
These factors are complemented by Uruguay's diverse video game ecosystem.
According to the article, the industry is characterized by a focus on "PC games, followed by mobile devices 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 geared toward specific market niches."
The article highlighted Uruguayan studios that have generated intellectual property on a global scale, such as Ironhide Game Studio, the studio behind the Kingdom Rush series, which has been downloaded 44 million times, according to the report.
The video game, released in 2011 and has edition, challenges players to defend the kingdom of Linirea by building and upgrading strategic towers to fend off waves of enemies and monsters.
The studio was founded by Álvaro Azofra, associate professor of Video Games in the School of Design, along with Pablo Realini and Gonzalo Sande. More than 10 students and graduates of the Bachelor’s Program in Animation and Video Games participated in the development of the game’s editions, including Anita Aranha.
- You might be interested in:From a Bachelor's Degree in Animation and Video Games to Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance TD.
ORT's Contribution to the Development of the Video Game Industry
The training of new professionals at Universidad ORT Uruguay, carried out by the School of Design, supports the growth of a booming sector through various academic programs and activities.
As an example of this, the Bachelor's Degree in Animation and Video Games is offered to those who "wish to develop their interest in games and the graphic creativity of animation, in order to turn their passion into a career," as described on the program's website.
Another new educational program launched this year is the Associate Degree inVideo Game Design and Production, which states on its website that it is aimed at those interested in "conceiving, designing, and prototyping innovative interactive experiences by combining creativity, storytelling, and technology."
At the same time, the academic departments of Animation and Video Games and Video Game Design and Production organize numerous opportunities for students and graduates to put their knowledge and skills to the test in real-world production settings, encouraging the development of their own projects, collaborative work, and connections with the industry.
Some of these events include video game beta testing, known as "Betatesting," a day dedicated to testing video games developed by students in programs at the School of Design, the School of Engineering, and the School of Communication.
It also provides an opportunity for video game enthusiasts to offer feedback and exchange ideas with the students to help improve the projects they have developed.
- You might be interestedin: Betatesting brought students and video game enthusiasts together once again for a new edition.
In addition, every year, the academic coordination team, led by Alejandro Erramún, MFA, and Diego Miranda, M.A., contributes to the organization of the Global Game Jam in Uruguay, a video game hackathon organized by Jam2Jam and Ingenio.
Held between late January and early February, the event brings together participants who develop a video game in 48 hours based on a theme chosen by the organizers.
- You might be interested in: Universidad ORT Uruguay in the Global Game Jam 2026.
Thus, the Universidad ORT Uruguay not only trains professionals but also fosters opportunities for experimentation, collaboration, and engagement with the community, actively contributing to the strengthening and growth of the video game industry in the country.
Learn more about the Associate Degree inVideo Game Design and Production and the Bachelor's Degree in Animation and Video Games