Croatian video game history goes on display in Zagreb

(Photo: VGHM)

ZAGREB, 29 January 2026 – The Video Game History Museum in Zagreb has opened a major new exhibition offering the most comprehensive historical overview to date of Croatia’s video game and computer game industry.

For the first time, the development of video games and early computing in Croatia has been presented in a systematic, museum-quality format, tracing its evolution from the earliest experiments to the early 2000s.

The exhibition documents the country’s journey from hobbyist projects to commercial titles and international success, highlighting a largely overlooked chapter of Croatia’s digital and cultural heritage.

The exhibition is the result of several years of research, archival work and interviews with key figures from the industry.

Many nearly lost titles have been reconstructed, while forgotten pioneers have been reintroduced to the public, ensuring their contributions are preserved for future generations.

The exhibition is divided into five thematic sections, beginning with the Multimedia Centre (MMC), whose classrooms served as an incubator for some of Croatia’s first computer games.

(Photo: VGHM)

It was here that early enthusiasts and talented programmers laid the groundwork for the domestic gaming scene.

Visitors are then introduced to Suzy Soft, Croatia’s first software exporter, alongside some of the earliest locally produced video games, including Kung-Fu, Ali Baba and Sraz.

(Photo: VGHM)

These titles marked important milestones in the transition from experimental projects to commercially distributed games.

A central section is dedicated to Croteam, Croatia’s longest-running game development studio, best known globally for the Serious Sam franchise.

(Photo: VGHM)

The exhibition explores the studio’s origins, growth and enduring international impact.

The final section focuses on specialised computer and video game magazines, which played a vital role in promoting gaming culture, educating players and connecting the growing community during the formative years of the industry.

“This project grew out of a very personal desire to preserve the story of the people and projects that shaped the early scene,” said Damir Šlogar, founder of the Video Game History Museum and curator of the exhibition.

“Their enthusiasm and knowledge laid the foundations for today’s successes, and it was important that their story was given the space and recognition it deserves.”

(Photo: VGHM)

Carefully selected original Croatian exhibits are now part of the museum’s extensive collection of more than 3,000 items.

Beyond its archival value, the exhibition creates a dialogue between the pioneers of Croatian game development and today’s creators, reinforcing the role of video games as a legitimate and important part of the country’s cultural history.

“Video game development is presented here as a fully recognised and valuable part of Croatia’s cultural heritage,” Šlogar added.

The exhibition was officially opened with a special event at Kaptol Boutique Cinema in Zagreb, where industry pioneers shared personal stories and experiences.

(Photo: VGHM)

Speakers included Damir Muraja, a computing pioneer and creator of Croatia’s first globally successful video game; Janko Mršić-Flögel, scientist, entrepreneur and game developer from the 1980s; and Admir Elezović, art director at Croteam.

The event brought together around 200 industry professionals and enthusiasts and was moderated by Ante Vrdelja, a video game industry veteran with more than three decades of experience.

During the evening, Vrdelja presented Croatia’s first Lifetime Achievement Award for outstanding contribution to video game development.

(Photo: VGHM)

The 2026 recipient of the award is Branimir Makanec, a respected engineer and one of Croatia’s leading figures in computing history. The award was accepted on his behalf by his son, Julije Makanec.

The exhibition is now part of the permanent display at the Video Game History Museum and can be visited at Draškovićeva 10 in Zagreb.

(Photo: VGHM)

It stands as a significant step in recognising Croatia’s role in the global development of video games and preserving an important chapter of its digital legacy.