This week, Above & Beyond Hangout #49 – GAMING: Press StartUP brought the gaming and startup ecosystems together in Lisboa, Porto and online to explore what it truly means to build a gaming studio as a startup.
The conversation focused on the realities behind launching and scaling a game development company — from team structure and funding strategies to product vision and global ambition. The discussion reinforced a key idea: game developers face many of the same operational and growth challenges as any other founder building a high-potential startup.
Setting the Stage
The session opened with an Ecosystem Briefing by Miguel Aguiar, Executive Director at Startup Portugal, setting the tone for a conversation centred on structure, preparation and long-term positioning.
The evening was hosted by Marília Santos in Porto and João Moreira Pires in Lisboa, bringing both cities together for another cross-ecosystem moment.
Building a Gaming Studio as a Startup
On stage, speakers shared diverse perspectives on building and scaling within the gaming industry:
- Veronica Orvalho, Founder & CEO at Didimo, on technological differentiation and global positioning
- Joana Marques, Co-Founder at joyglitch, on the creative and operational realities of launching a gaming studio
- Rui Guedes, Board Member at APVP – Associação de Produtores de Videojogos Portugueses, on the broader industry landscape
- Manuel Pestana Machado, Head of Community & Communication at Startup Portugal, on ecosystem building and community dynamics
The conversation was moderated by Carolina Rocha, Player Community Lead at Fortis Games, who guided a discussion that bridged creativity, business strategy and international ambition.
Looking Ahead
✨ More Hangouts
The Above & Beyond Hangout series continues with new events focused on challenges and opportunities for startups. Missed this edition? Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn to stay updated on upcoming events.
📷 Photos by: Miguel Ribeiro Fernandes e Ricardo Meireles
