On December 17, 2024, the Innovation and Digital Development Agency (IDDA) signed a partnership agreement with “Xsolla,” a global commercial platform for game creators.
This partnership provides Azerbaijan’s gaming studios with training, technology, financial resources, and access to the global market. Xsolla, which manages 72% of all payment transactions in the global gaming industry, has also announced its investment in Azerbaijan’s gaming sector.
Speaking on the prospects of collaboration, IDDA Chairperson Inara Valiyeva noted the rising momentum in the development of the gaming industry in Azerbaijan in recent years:
“We can confidently say that the gaming industry in the country is on the rise. Our goal is to accelerate this growth by bringing global players to Azerbaijan. Collaboration with Xsolla will not only fast-track the application of innovations but also contribute to human capital development. Additionally, with the establishment of an educational academy, an infrastructure project will also be realized.”
Yevgeniya Bikmurzina, Head of IDDA’s Innovation Ecosystem Department, emphasized the significance of this partnership for the local gaming industry’s development:
“This collaboration will open up broad opportunities for joint projects, propelling the growth of the gaming sector in the country. Our gaming studios will gain access to education, technology, and financial resources needed to achieve global market recognition.”
The collaboration with Xsolla was further discussed during a press conference held as part of the “Gamesummit Winter Edition 2024.”
During the conference, plans to establish the “Xsolla StarNest Academy,” which will offer training in game development in Azerbaijan, were also revealed. The academy will be created through a partnership between Xsolla and the Azerbaijani company “StarNest,” with IDDA supporting its strategic development. Additionally, a local game studio incubation program is set to launch in 2025.
Selected studios in this program will receive support from international experts, showcase their games to a wider audience, and gain access to financial support for business development.
Moreover, IDDA has signed an agreement with the “Gamesummit” organization. Under this collaboration, 10 events aimed at raising public awareness about gaming technologies and attracting young people to the innovation sector are planned.