Early Life and Education
Igor Bukhman was born in Vologda, Russia, on March 29, 1982. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in programming. In 1999, he enrolled at Vologda State Pedagogical University to study applied mathematics. It was during his university years that he began to lay the groundwork for his future in the gaming industry.
Rise to Success
In 2001, Igor and his brother Dmitry started developing and selling PC games online. Their initial venture, which began with modest earnings, marked the inception of their entrepreneurial journey. In 2004, the Bukhman brothers officially established Playrix. Their portfolio steadily expanded, and they strategically shifted their focus to mobile gaming. This pivotal decision led to the creation of globally acclaimed titles such as Homescapes, Gardenscapes, Fishdom, and Township. Under Igor's leadership, Playrix experienced significant growth.
Key Business Strategies
Igor Bukhman's success is attributed to his strategic vision and adaptability within the mobile gaming industry. He oversaw key acquisitions and investments that expanded Playrix's development capabilities and diversified its game offerings. By 2023, Playrix employed over 3,000 people worldwide and was a top mobile publisher. The company's focus on free-to-play games, combined with engaging storylines and creative decoration elements, has been a key strategy for success.
Philanthropy
Igor, along with his wife, established the Bukhman Foundation in 2023. In 2025, the foundation pledged £100 million to fund groundbreaking research to accelerate progress towards new treatments and a cure for type 1 diabetes. The foundation also donated $1 million to the National Portrait Gallery.