Beyond the beaches: Florianópolis consolidates itself as a gaming hub in Brazil

Known for its paradisiacal beaches and enviable quality of life, Florianópolis is forging a new path: becoming one of the main hubs for game development and eSports in Latin America. With robust investments, public and private initiatives and a growing technological ecosystem, the capital of Santa Catarina is positioning itself as a reference in the national gaming scene.

The most ambitious project in this regard is the Hub Costão Games (HubCG), conceived by Fernando Marcondes de Mattos, founder of Costão do Santinho Resort, in partnership with Professor Carlos Alberto Schneider, from the CERTI Foundation. The site is already recognized for its privileged location.

With an initial investment of R$300 million, HubCG will occupy an area of ​​more than 10 m² within the resort, housing an eSports arena, coworking spaces, development laboratories and the Gaming & Leadership Institute, focused on training professionals for the sector.

All of this proves that there are significant investments in Florianópolis to make the capital of Santa Catarina a reference in the gaming segment. In addition, events are held periodically to attract people to visit one of the cities that is emerging as a reference in a segment that has the potential for rapid growth.

Online betting and the growth of the digital market

The growth of the digital gaming sector in Florianópolis is also driving the online gambling market, which has been expanding rapidly in Brazil. With the regulation of the sector and the increased demand for digital entertainment, platforms such as BETESPECIAL have stood out by offering safe experiences adapted to the Brazilian public.

BETESPECIAL, for example, is a platform that operates legally in Brazil, with a license issued by SPA/MF ordinance no. 2.102. In addition to traditional sports betting, the operator offers casino options, live games and exchange betting, providing a complete experience for users.

This operator is just one example of what Brazilians can access within the digital market. The entertainment options are varied and engagement in this sector is extremely high. As a result, its potential ends up surpassing other areas that are already consolidated.

It is important to highlight that Florianópolis has kept pace with Brazil's digital growth. Construction continues to boom in the capital of Santa Catarina and new technology parks have been created with the aim of expanding studies focused on technology and even gaming.

The synergy between game development and the online gambling market is evident. As Florianópolis consolidates itself as a center of innovation in the gaming sector, the city also becomes a favorable environment for the growth of digital gambling platforms, which seek to establish themselves in an increasingly competitive and regulated market.

Public incentives and talent training

The government of Santa Catarina has played a key role in strengthening the digital gaming sector. Through the Start-SC Games announcement, launched by the State Research and Innovation Support Foundation (Fapesc) in partnership with the Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation (SCTI), R$2 million were allocated to support innovative projects in the area, with values ​​of up to R$200 thousand per company.

In addition, local educational institutions have invested in training qualified professionals to meet the growing market demand. Courses focused on game development, design and programming have been offered by universities and technical schools, contributing to the creation of a robust and sustainable ecosystem.

Another highlight is the work of incubators and accelerators, such as MIDITEC, linked to the Santa Catarina Technology Association (ACATE), which offers support to gaming and technology startups from the initial phase. This support structure allows new ideas to get off the ground more easily, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the sector.

Perspectives and challenges

With a combination of private investment, government support and talent development, Florianópolis is well positioned to become one of Brazil's leading online gaming and betting hubs. However, challenges such as the need for infrastructure adequate, talent retention and competition with other technology centers in the country still need to be addressed.

The city is already reaping the rewards of its initiatives, attracting large-scale events, such as the Stun Game Festival, and attracting the interest of national and international investors. If it maintains its pace of growth and innovation, Florianópolis has everything it needs to establish itself as a reference in the gaming and online betting scene in Latin America.

Furthermore, strengthening educational programs, such as the New Talents Project – SC Games, which offers free arts, programming and robotics classes for children and teenagers in Florianópolis, is essential to ensure the training of new professionals and keep the city at the forefront of the sector.