When Tim Fadeev moved to Cyprus eight years ago, he didn’t just come with a suitcase. He came with a carry-on mission. As a veteran of the global gaming industry, Fadeev saw the potential of another level between the tax perks and the long summer days. He was ready to build something the local dev community had never seen before: a game-changing hub, almost from scratch.
Today, GDCy is the largest gaming event in the region, part industry mixer, part beach party, lots of T-Rex costumes, attracting speakers from Google, Nintendo, and Ubisoft.
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In this exclusive interview with The Future Media, Fadeev shares how he’s turning Cyprus into a serious player on the global game development map, why GDCy Fest is anything but conventional, and what’s next for the island’s fast-evolving tech ecosystem.
Before we discuss GDCy Fest, can you share a little about your own background? What brought you into the gaming world, and what led you to start building something here in Cyprus?
I’ve spent over 15 years in the video game industry—and I’ve loved every second of it. Ever since I was a kid playing games, I knew I wanted to be part of this world. It always felt magical and full of possibilities.
Over the years, I’ve traveled the globe for industry conferences and events, and I always carried this dream: to one day create something special right here in Cyprus. It’s a place with the perfect mix of lifestyle, location, and potential.
After moving here eight years ago, I noticed something was missing. There was a growing gaming scene, but no central hub, no community, no event to bring people together. So, I decided it was time to change that.
And here we are today.
GDCy Fest has grown into one of the biggest gaming events in the region. What did you set out to create in that first year, and how has it evolved since then?
Actually, we are already the biggest gaming event in the region—and proud of it! From the start, we wanted to create something that felt different. People were getting tired of the same old hotel conference vibe. We wanted something with soul: a place where business meets beach, where serious networking happens under the sun, and where you might find yourself in a T-Rex costume race before watching a rock band play at sunset.
When we launched, no one really knew what to expect, but over 1,000 people showed up that first year. The response was overwhelming. Social media exploded with photos, stories, and love for the event. It was a fresh breeze for the industry—literally.
Since then, we’ve stayed true to our concept—why fix what isn’t broken? But each year we fine-tune the experience to make it even more unforgettable. Our goal is simple: people should leave the FEST buzzing, telling their friends and colleagues about it for the rest of the year.
And they do!
Many of our speakers become unofficial ambassadors, spreading the GDCy love around the world.
This year, you’re bringing in speakers from studios like Ubisoft, Nintendo, and Google. What does that international attention say about GDCy—and Cyprus as a whole?
Our mission has always been to put Cyprus on the global game dev map. That’s the goal behind GDCy Fest, our monthly events, our partnerships, and our LVLUP accelerator.
The fact that giants like Google, Meta, TikTok, Snapchat, and Xsolla are not just paying attention but actively supporting us tells us one thing: we’re on the right track.
GDCy Fest isn’t your typical industry event. It’s outdoors, by the sea, with live music and a relaxed atmosphere. What inspired that approach—and how has it shaped the community?
From the beginning, we asked ourselves: “What would we want from a business conference?” The answer was clear — keep the value, the networking, the insights… but lose the stiff hotel vibes.
Instead, we added some Cyprus magic: open bars, street food, live music, the sea breeze, and sunshine. It created a space where people connect more authentically. Others have tried to replicate it, but honestly, this format only truly works in a place like Cyprus.
The content is split into four tracks: tech, marketing, business, and Cyprus GameDev. Why these topics, and what can attendees expect this year?
We wanted to cover every corner of the industry, so there’s something valuable for everyone—from indie developers to execs. We’re even thinking of evolving the tracks into more intuitive themes: Business in Games, Marketing, Operations, and Production.
This year, we’ve gone all-in to bring legendary speakers and red-hot topics. Expect big names, major titles, and insights you won’t hear anywhere else. If you’re in the industry, you’ll want to be here.
You’re also running the LVLUP Accelerator. How does that fit into the bigger vision, and what support does it offer?
LVLUP was a natural extension of our mission—to help Cyprus shine globally in game development.
Partnering with Google, NVO, The Games Fund, GEM Capital, and others, we created something powerful: a completely free accelerator that gives startups access to world-class mentors without taking equity.
Out of nearly 100 applicants worldwide, 19 teams joined our first batch. Sixteen graduated and pitched at GDCy Fest 2024 to investors and industry leaders. It felt like a summer school for rising stars, with serious results.
We’re already in talks about the next version of LVLUP, possibly with a new twist. Stay tuned for 2025!
Why are so many people choosing Cyprus for tech and gaming? What makes it attractive?
There are a few big reasons:
* UK-based legislation, which is great for IP protection.
* A very competitive tax regime — one of the best in the EU.
* A strategic location between Europe and MENA.
* And, of course, 300+ days of sunshine and the Mediterranean Sea at your doorstep.
That said, growth comes with challenges. The real estate market is heating up fast, especially in Limassol, making affordability a real issue. But that’s a conversation for another time.
Do you have any examples of how GDCy has helped grow the local industry?
Absolutely. We started with a few people gathering at a pub — 30 or 40 max. Now our monthly events host 200–300 people at some of the coolest spots in town. And every time, I see new faces — many of whom don’t even know me personally anymore. That’s when you know a real community is forming.
And more and more amazing studios are choosing Cyprus as their home base. That makes me incredibly proud.
What’s your long-term vision for GDCy and the Cyprus gaming scene?
We want GDCy to become a major global player — a must-attend series of events that developers and companies from around the world recognize and respect. More importantly, we want to keep building a vibrant, supportive, fun-loving community here on the island. A place where people can live well, build great games, and grow together like one big family.
Finally, for a studio or developer considering the FEST or relocating to Cyprus, what should they know?
We’ve put our hearts into making this year’s FEST the biggest, boldest, and best yet. The speaker lineup is insane, the topics are cutting-edge, and the crowd is more diverse than ever.
So if you’re on the fence—don’t be. Come, experience it for yourself, and become part of something truly special.
