How did the idea for Maru VR come about, and what inspired the dive into the field of virtual reality? What were the biggest challenges when deciding to transform from a service provider into a game developer?
Maru VR Productions is an Estonian company that began its journey developing virtual reality solutions for various businesses and organizations. Maru VR has created over 40 different VR experiences. Today, Maru VR’s projects can be found in places like the Kalevipoeg Museum, Tallinn TV Tower, and the Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund Career Center, and the Rescue Board also uses their VR training simulations.
A few years ago, the studio decided to shift its focus, ceasing service offerings to concentrate almost entirely on developing their own VR game. The virtual reality survival game “Bootstrap Island,” inspired by “Robinson Crusoe,” was released this February as an early access game on the global gaming platform Steam and recently received the “Estonian Game of the Year 2024!” award. The game has been well received on the international market, though there is still a long journey ahead before it is fully completed.
Come and hear how Maru VR transformed from a service provider to a game developer and what experiences and lessons they’ve gained in game development and the gaming industry!
Lilit Palmar is the co-founder and CEO of Maru VR. Before founding the VR studio, Lilit worked for 15 years in consulting, leading the business development area at Civitta Estonia. Lilit holds a master’s degree in Entrepreneurship and Technology Management from the University of Tartu. Maru VR’s team consists of 15 members, and Lilit is responsible for multiple areas typical of a small company—strategy, marketing, team, and financial management. Her previous experience with EU support programs has enabled Maru VR to receive funding from the European Union’s Media Program as the only Estonian company to do so for video game development.
The event will be held onsite at the Business Incubator (Veerenni 24C). The event is FREE, but registration is required.
The event will be in English.
