Cities without spirits are mere husks. Empty and soulless. Such husks may become attractive or useful for some industries for some time, but when those circumstances vanish, they fall into dereliction. Barcelona is not such a city. It’s a city with a spirit. It’s versatile, adaptive, and always attractive for some. Let’s dive into more details to understand what makes up Barcelona’s spirit.
Located on the northeastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula, Barcelona stands as a beacon of cultural magnificence and urban allure. Beyond its acclaim as a tech hub and game industry stronghold, the city boasts a vibrant tapestry of history, architecture, and lifestyle.
Barcelona’ breathes history through its streets’s history is etched into its streets. Its architecture reflects the ages it’s been through. Landmarks like Sagrada Família and Park Güell stand as witnesses to the aesthetic finesse of its people. It seamlessly blends the old and the new. With over 60 parks, 11,000 architectural spaces, and 30 kilometers of pristine beachfront, it offers a harmonious blend of nature and urbanity.
Barcelona consistently ranks as one of the safest cities globally, and the Barcelonians, known as “Barcelonins,” embody the city’s spirit. They are passionate, open-minded, and proud of their Catalonian identity. Social life in Barcelona revolves around its vibrant culinary scene, lively tapas bars, and late-night gatherings. The city’s cultural agenda reflects its inclusive spirit, welcoming everyone to join the festivities.
Barcelona: A Magnet for Gaming Companies
Barcelona’s magnetic pull for gaming giants is evident in the diverse roster of major players who’ve established their headquarters in the city. International giants such as King, Bandai Namco, FunPlus and Ubisoft have all recognized the city’s potential, fostering an environment of healthy competition and a breeding ground for top-tier talent. Beyond King, Barcelona hosts many mobile game companies like Gameloft, which are recognized for hits like Despicable Me: Minion Rush and the Asphalt series. The city’s strategic location provides easy access to the EU market and labor pool, making it an ideal choice for mobile game companies.
Sandsoft is another noteworthy player, adding its distinctive mark to the city’s vibrant gaming landscape. Sandsoft has carved a niche with titles like “DC Heroes & Villains: Match3,” captivating gamers worldwide. The company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of gaming technology and storytelling aligns seamlessly with Barcelona’s ethos of innovation and creativity, making Sandsoft a valued contributor to the city’s dynamic gaming ecosystem. There are also other companies including ZeptoLab, Tilting Point, Socialpoint.
An attractive spot for the skilled workforce of the mobile game industry
Barcelona’s rich history, safety, welcoming locals, and vibrant social life make it an attractive spot for the international workforce. The city’s ecosystem benefits from a graduate surge, enticing opportunities for foreign professionals, and a diverse range of companies seeking various digital profiles. Barcelona’s prowess extends across web development, mobile applications, UX/UI design, and CRM and ERP consultancy, boasting a workforce of over 61,000 professionals.
Barcelona is not just an attractive spot for international tech professionals; it produces them locally with over 1,050 degrees and master’s programs and more than 265,000 university students, including the prestigious Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. The city is a breeding ground for expertise in 5G, big data, cybersecurity, the Internet of Things, and quantum sciences.
Barcelona also surpasses other European cities like London and Amsterdam regarding salaries. Ranked as the 10th most attractive city globally for digital talent, it claims the 4th spot in Europe, boasting the second-highest number of software developers in the continent. It offers a high quality of life. With over 30 km of beachfront, 2,500 hours of sunshine annually, a rich cultural scene, and an affordable living cost, the city is ranked as the 8th most attractive city globally for living and working.
Barcelona’s creative infrastructure
Barcelona is not unfamiliar with creative industries. The city already has a rich tradition in the animation industry, contributing significantly to its prowess in the game industry. The city’s welcoming embrace of creative minds fosters an environment encouraging innovation and artistic expression, creating a conducive atmosphere for local talent to flourish.
With 9,262 companies in the creative industries employing 145,819 individuals, Barcelona is the 9th most cultural and creative city in Europe. Its history of architectural innovation, vibrant arts scene, and specialized programs in animation and video games at local universities establish a robust pipeline for nurturing creative talent.
Barcelona has a dynamic startup ecosystem
Barcelona’s startup ecosystem rapidly evolves and attracts international professionals and forward-thinking companies. The Barcelona Tech City, 4YFN, and the Mobile World Congress contribute to a thriving startup culture. The city claims the 4th spot in Europe for investment rounds, with over 1,900 startups primarily focused on Industry 4.0 technologies.
Several startups originating in Barcelona have gained international recognition and caught the attention of gaming giants like Activision Blizzard, Take-Two Interactive, and Imperus.
Barcelona offers abundant investment opportunities for mobile game companies
Organizations like Barcelona & Partners seek to attract new companies to the city. As a non-profit investment agency, its mission involves assisting impactful businesses with exponential growth, offering support in opportunity definition, project definition, and project building. The agency collaborates with companies, ensuring a successful landing and growth trajectory in Barcelona.
Fueled by financial backing from major corporations and public institutions, initiatives like Barcelona & Partners create a robust support system. This collaborative effort aims to attract companies to Barcelona, providing a nurturing environment for businesses to thrive within the city’s vibrant ecosystem.
Barcelona is attractive not only for its business aspects but also for its appeal to the human element. It’s a city that offers a satisfying, enjoyable life for its residents and employees while presenting lucrative financial opportunities for mobile game companies. Its dynamic ecosystem has opportunities for daring startups and established industry giants. The city will attract even more of these if it keeps its spirit alive.
