Related Documents
Report
Gaming in Europe: Key Facts 2022
The European video game industry demonstrated significant economic resilience and social expansion in 2022, generating €24.5 billion in revenue and achieving a 5% year-on-year growth rate. This sector now engages approximately 126.5 million people, representing 53% of the population aged 6 to 64. Demographic shifts indicate a maturing and diversifying market, as women now comprise nearly 47% of the player base and the 45-64 age group has emerged as the largest playing demographic. While engagement has stabilized at an average of 8.8 hours of weekly playtime, the industry’s economic footprint is bolstered by a workforce of over 110,000 employees, which saw a 12% increase in staffing levels. Despite this robust growth, the industry faces a critical talent shortage that threatens future expansion. Projections suggest a widening digital skills gap, exemplified by Sweden’s anticipated deficit of 25,000 developers by 2031. To sustain its trajectory, the sector is increasingly focusing on workforce diversity—where women currently hold 23.7% of roles—and the implementation of comprehensive social responsibility frameworks. These include the expansion of the PEGI rating system and the deployment of advanced parental control tools to ensure a safe environment for the evolving player base. Environmental sustainability has also become a central pillar of the European gaming landscape. Through collaborative efforts like the Games Consoles Voluntary Agreement, the industry achieved a reduction of 54TWh in energy consumption across previous console generations. Major publishers and trade associations across 18 countries are now prioritizing carbon neutrality, with sector-wide initiatives successfully offsetting significant carbon footprints. These combined economic, social, and environmental strategies reflect a maturing industry that is balancing rapid commercial growth with long-term ecological and demographic responsibilities.
European Games Developer FederationJan 2022
Report
State of the Game Industry 2020
The global game development landscape in 2020 is characterized by a transition toward next-generation hardware and a diversifying array of digital storefronts. While PC and mobile remain the primary platforms for the majority of the nearly 4,000 surveyed professionals, significant momentum is building for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, with over a third of developers working on cross-generational titles. In the immersive reality sector, the Oculus Quest has emerged as the leading platform for both interest and active development, signaling a shift away from tethered VR solutions. Despite this technological evolution, the industry remains heavily self-funded and continues to struggle with demographic representation, as three-quarters of the workforce identifies as male and nearly half of all studios lack formal diversity or accessibility initiatives. Labor practices and monetization models are currently undergoing intense scrutiny. Although a majority of developers support unionization, there is widespread skepticism regarding its near-term implementation. Workweeks exceeding 40 hours remain common, often driven by self-imposed pressure rather than external mandates. Economically, the industry is moving toward "pay to download" and subscription models, yet deep dissatisfaction exists regarding traditional revenue splits. Only a small fraction of developers believe the standard 30% platform cut is justified, with most advocating for a more equitable 10-15% share. Confidence in emerging digital ecosystems varies significantly based on perceived infrastructure and business viability. The Epic Games Store maintains the highest level of long-term optimism among developers, whereas Google Stadia faces substantial doubt regarding its technical requirements and pricing. Apple Arcade occupies a speculative middle ground, reflecting a broader uncertainty about the long-term profitability of subscription-based gaming. As the workforce remains relatively young—with over 60% of professionals possessing less than a decade of experience—the industry’s future trajectory depends on balancing these rapid technological shifts with sustainable labor practices and more equitable distribution models.
Game Developers ConferenceJan 2020
Report
Multiplayer Report 2022
The 2022 Multiplayer Report examines the evolving preferences, behaviors, and technical expectations of online gamers across major global markets. The primary thesis suggests that while traditional genres like Battle Royale and First-Person Shooters remain dominant, the success of multiplayer titles increasingly depends on social connectivity and technical reliability. The findings indicate that 77% of the global gaming population engages in multiplayer play, with overall engagement across all genres increasing by an average of 3.3% compared to the previous year. Key data points highlight that genre is the primary factor for game selection (49%), followed closely by social drivers such as the ability to chat in-game (31%) and having friends already active in the title (34%). Technical performance is equally critical, with 35% of players prioritizing quick matchmaking and 33% requiring skill-based pairing. Regarding monetization, the data shows a 5% year-over-year increase in players purchasing downloadable content. While core gamers are 58% more likely to spend over $20 on additional content, casual audiences remain active spenders in lower price brackets. The scope of the research covers four major gaming markets—the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, and South Korea—representing a significant portion of global gaming revenue. The analysis segments the industry into various categories, including mobile, PC, and console platforms, while distinguishing between casual and core gamer demographics. Internal data from Unity reveals a 150% growth in PC multiplayer development and a 40% increase in mobile multiplayer projects since early 2021. Methodology for these insights involved a survey of approximately 1,500 multiplayer gamers conducted in Q3 2021 and Q3 2022. The sample was split evenly between casual players, defined by a minimum of 30 minutes of weekly multiplayer play, and core players, who engage for at least four hours weekly in competitive genres. This survey data was supplemented by anonymized, aggregated internal metrics from Unity’s live gaming solutions.
UnityJan 2022
Report
Video Games – A Force for Good: Europe's Video Game Industry
This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the European video games industry as of 2021, detailing its economic impact, demographic reach, and social contributions. Jointly produced by ISFE and EGDF, the findings highlight a sector that remained stable following the pandemic-induced surge of 2020, maintaining a market value of €23.3 billion across key European territories. The industry supports a significant workforce, employing over 98,000 people across Europe, with 74,000 located within the EU. Data is primarily sourced from Ipsos, GameTrack, and GSD, covering major markets including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom. The demographic data reveals that video gaming is a mainstream cultural activity, with 52% of the European population aged 6 to 64 participating. The average player age is 31.3 years, and women represent nearly 48% of the total player base. While engagement remains high, average weekly playtime returned to pre-pandemic levels of nine hours. The digital ecosystem dominates the market, accounting for 81% of total revenue, driven largely by app-based gaming and in-game extras. A significant portion of the analysis focuses on industry responsibility and social impact. It underscores the effectiveness of the PEGI age rating system and the prevalence of parental control tools, noting a sharp decline in unsupervised in-game spending by minors. Furthermore, the industry is positioned as a driver for digital literacy and mental well-being, with specific initiatives targeting STEM education for girls and climate change through the Green Game Jam. The report concludes that the sector is a vital component of Europe’s digital economy, increasingly recognized for its pedagogical value and commitment to diversity and environmental sustainability.
Interactive Software Federation of EuropeJan 2022