Video Games Europe (1) published their annual Key Facts report at the end of August, with the latest data on Europe’s video games sector. Alongside the promised key facts and figures, the report included 12 steps manifesto for the European Union on how to ensure that Europe is the best place to develop games and invest in games.
In 2023, the European video game market grew 5% and the revenue was 25.7 billion euros (1).
According to the report, video game industry in Europe is at a crossroads. With the rapid evolution of technology and creative innovation combined to the global skill and labour gap, it is crucial for the European Union to support and nurture the sector to ensure growth is also possible in the future. (1)
Video Games Europe’s manifesto includes requests to the EU for the period from 2024 to 2029.
1. Protecting the Unique Status of Video Games
Video games are a blend of technology and creativity, requiring a specific combination of both in the workforce that creates them. Unlike traditional audiovisual media, they offer interactive experiences that engage players in ways films and television cannot. The lifespan of a game also requires upkeep after its original release. (1)
Video Games Europe stresses the importance of maintaining the distinct status of video games within EU regulations. Forcing video games into the audiovisual sector could stifle innovation and make the EU a global outlier. It is essential that the EU recognizes the special nature of video games and adapts its policies accordingly. In concrete terms, this could involve extending the General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER), which enables EU governments to provide higher amounts of public funding to companies, to include video game companies. (1, 2)
2. Fostering an Open and Competitive Market
To continue thriving, the video game industry needs a market environment that encourages and supports both investment and innovation. Video Games Europe calls on the EU to avoid imposing additional levies, taxes, or fees that could deter investment in the sector. The focus should be on assessing current regulations to ensure they are effective and do not unintentionally hinder the industry’s growth. (1)
It is also important that the EU continues to maintain a strong structure for the enforcement of intellectual property (IP) law to support and secure innovation. Adapting NACE codes could help EU see the economic value and protect this IP intensive industry. (1)
3. Investing in Skills and Talent
The future of the video game industry depends on the availability of skilled professionals who can drive innovation. The same statement can be found from publications by other national actors. Neogames Finland, an independent umbrella organization dedicated to supporting the growth and development of the Finnish game industry, expresses a similar concern. According to the organization, sourcing experienced professionals has been one of the greatest challenges facing the Finnish game industry, thereby hindering its growth (3). A similar situation is seen as a long-term problem in Sweden, according to their local trade association for video game companies, Dataspelsbranschen (4).
Video Games Europe urges the EU to invest in education to bridge the digital skills gap. This includes promoting STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) programs, encouraging girls to pursue careers in technology, and upskilling teachers. Additionally, the EU should use Horizon programme funding to map the video game workforce and identify areas where skills development is needed. By building a strong talent pipeline, Europe should be able ensure its continued leadership in the global video game industry. (1)
Summary
Many of the actions suggested support each other, for example by promoting an open and competitive market, Europe might help to attract and retain the best talent needed to drive the industry’s growth forwards. The demands outlined by Video Games Europe are clear and coherent: protect the unique nature of video games, foster a competitive market, and invest in the future talent that will drive the industry forward. By responding to these calls, the EU can make Europe the best place in the world to create and invest in video games. (1)
Author
Ria Gynther has focused on development projects related to the game industry and is currently working as a project coordinator for the Gamebadges project at Metropolia since 2017. The Gamebadges project is dedicated to designing and implementing a pioneering, European-wide competence-based open badge ecosystem aimed at the European game industry and game education.
Sources
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- Video Games Europe. 2024. 2023 Key Facts about the European video games sector (videogameseurope.eu). Cited 3.9.2024.
- EUR-Lex. 2020. General Block Exemption Regulation (europa.eu). Cited 3.9.2024.
- Neogames. 2023. The Game Industry of Finland: Report 2022 (PDF). Cited 3.9.2024.
- Dataspelsbranschen. 2023. Swedish Games Industry 2023: Game Developer Index (PDF). Cited 3.9.2024.
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