2023 All About Video Games: European Key Facts

The 2023 Key Facts report provides a comprehensive overview of the European video games sector, emphasizing its role as a significant driver of culture, creativity, and technological innovation. Produced by Video Games Europe in collaboration with the European Games Developer Federation, the analysis focuses on market performance, demographic trends, and the industry’s commitment to responsible gameplay across five major European markets.

The industry demonstrated robust economic health in 2023, generating €25.7 billion in revenue, which represents a 5% increase over the previous year. This growth is supported by a substantial workforce of 114,400 professionals engaged in diverse roles ranging from design and sound engineering to publishing and technology development. Notably, women account for 24.4% of this workforce. The consumer base remains broad and mature; 53% of the population aged 6–64 plays video games, with 124.4 million active players across the studied markets. The average age of a European player is 31, and 75% of the gaming population is aged 18 or older.

A central pillar of the industry’s operational framework is the promotion of safe and responsible gaming environments. The Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) rating system, which marked its 20th anniversary in 2023, remains a critical tool for consumer protection. Currently active in 40 countries with 2,600 member companies, the system has classified over 40,000 titles. Parental engagement with these standards is high, as 79% of parents are aware of PEGI labels, and 76% utilize them to guide purchasing decisions for their children. These findings underscore a mature, economically vital industry that balances commercial expansion with a structured approach to player safety and age-appropriate content.