Igor Bukhman, a visionary entrepreneur, and a trailblazer in the gaming industry, was born on March 29, 1982. Together with his brother Dmitry Bukhman, he co-founded the world-renowned online gaming company, Playrix. This dynamic duo is celebrated for their creation of popular mobile app games, including chart-toppers like Homescapes and Fishdom. Zatrun.com has delved into the compelling journey of Igor Bukhman, revealing the rise of Playrix and the visionary behind the gaming empire.
Fostering Innovation in a Small Town
The roots of Igor Bukhman’s innovation trace back to Vologda, Russia. From a young age, Igor displayed a remarkable penchant for programming. In 1999, he embarked on his academic journey, enrolling in the Faculty of Applied Mathematics at the Vologda State Pedagogical Institute. However, it was during his early years in college that Igor, alongside his brother Dmitry, embarked on their entrepreneurial journey in online gaming.
In 2001, the Bukhman brothers initiated their foray into online game development. The same year, they introduced their first game, Discovera, to the world. Priced at a modest $15, they strategically uploaded it to 200 app directories, yielding $60 in the very first month. This modest beginning set the stage for the creation of Playrix in 2004.
From Modest Beginnings to Global Success
By the time Playrix was founded, the brothers had already launched three games and approximately 30 screensavers. However, their dedication and innovative spirit propelled them forward. By 2007, the number of games in their portfolio had soared to 16, marking an extraordinary journey for the company. During this period, Playrix began generating a monthly income of approximately $300,000.
The gaming world soon witnessed the emergence of blockbuster titles from Playrix, including beloved games like Homescapes, Gardenscapes, Fishdom, and Township. The relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation set Playrix apart as a leading force in the gaming industry.
Strategic Investments and Global Reach
While Playrix flourished, the Bukhman brothers sought opportunities for strategic investments in the gaming industry. In 2018, they ventured into personal investments in Nexters Global, a developer specializing in video and social network games. Additionally, they expanded their investments into Belarusian game developer Vizor Games.
The year 2019 marked a significant milestone when Playrix acquired Plexonic and Eipix Entertainment, Armenian and Serbian studios, respectively. These acquisitions highlighted Playrix’s commitment to expanding its reach and enhancing its game development capabilities. In 2021 and 2022, Igor Bukhman played a vital role as a member of Nexters’ Board of Directors. His visionary leadership led to his appointment as a non-executive director of the company in April 2023.
Resilience Amid Challenges and Global Impact
Playrix encountered challenges along its path to success. In October 2022, the company faced a difficult decision as they announced the closure of their offices and development operations in Russia and Belarus due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Nonetheless, the company demonstrated resilience, maintaining its global influence.
As of 2023, Playrix boasted a dedicated global workforce exceeding 3,000 individuals who continued to drive the company’s vision forward. In June 2023, analytics company Data.ai (formerly App Annie) ranked Playrix seventh in the global ranking of mobile publishers by annual revenue, with the company securing the first position in EMEA.
A Legacy of Success and Philanthropy
Igor Bukhman’s journey in the gaming industry culminated in remarkable recognition. In 2020, he entered Forbes’ list of the richest entrepreneurs in the world, with a fortune totaling $3.1 billion. As of April 2023, Forbes estimated Igor Bukhman’s assets at an astonishing $7 billion, securing his place as the 332nd richest individual globally. Additionally, he ranked 6th among the wealthiest Israelis.
In October 2021, the Bukhman brothers introduced the Rix Capital family fund. By 2023, this investment company, managing $4 billion of the brothers’ personal funds, established a permanent office in London, reaffirming their commitment to global investment ventures.
Igor Bukhman: Personal Life and Global Residences
Beyond his entrepreneurial accomplishments, Igor Bukhman leads a fulfilling personal life. He is a dedicated husband and a loving father to four children. In 2014, Igor Bukhman made a significant move by relocating to Dublin, Ireland. In 2016, he acquired Israeli citizenship, further strengthening his connection to Israel. His journey continued as he relocated to London in 2020, where he currently resides.
Igor Bukhman’s legacy stands as a testament to the power of innovation and resilience. His indomitable spirit and visionary leadership, in partnership with his brother Dmitry, have left an indelible mark on the gaming industry. Playrix’s global influence and Igor Bukhman’s journey continue to inspire the world.
