WhitepaperSpanish Association for the Game and Entertainment Software Development and Publishing Industry
White Paper on Video Game Development Sector in Spain
1 Jan 20218 pages~17 min full read
The Spanish video game sector generated 313.7 million euros in 2013, with a projected compound annual growth rate of 23.7% through 2017.
See it on page 4Online distribution models drive the industry's financial performance, accounting for 78% of total revenue, while exports represent 56% of sales.
See it on page 2The industry is characterized by rapid expansion and youth, with 68% of the 330 existing companies established within the five years prior to 2013.
See it on page 4Direct employment reached 2,630 jobs in 2013, a 29% increase from the previous year, though 63.6% of firms struggle to find qualified personnel due to a mismatch between education and industry needs.
See it on page 5Capital investment in the sector is overwhelmingly domestic, with 97% of funding originating within Spain.
See it on page 4To maintain competitiveness, the sector is calling for fiscal R&D incentives, public prototype funding, and the development of serious games for the health and education markets.
See it on page 6The Spanish video game development sector has emerged as a vital component of the national digital economy, characterized by rapid growth, high innovation, and a strong global orientation. As of 2013, the industry comprised 330 companies, largely concentrated in Madrid and Catalonia, with a workforce that is notably young and highly qualified. The sector generated 313.7 million euros in turnover in 2013, with projections suggesting a compound annual growth rate of 23.7% through 2017. This expansion is driven primarily by online distribution models, which account for 78% of industry revenue, and a robust export market that represents 56% of total sales.
The industry is defined by its youth, with 68% of firms established within the last five years and 97% of capital originating domestically. Employment trends are equally positive; the sector supported 2,630 direct jobs in 2013, marking a 29% increase from the previous year, with a high proportion of permanent contracts. Despite this success, the industry faces significant challenges, particularly a talent gap, as 63.6% of businesses report difficulty finding qualified personnel. This highlights a misalignment between current educational curricula and the specialized technical demands of the video game market.
To sustain this momentum, the sector advocates for an integrated support plan that includes fiscal incentives for research and development, public funding for prototypes, and streamlined internationalization efforts. Recommendations emphasize the need for specialized technology clusters, improved tax treatment for intangible assets, and stronger synergies with transversal industries such as health and education through the development of serious games. By addressing these structural needs and fostering closer collaboration between public administration, private investors, and academic institutions, the industry aims to solidify its position as a competitive, high-productivity leader within the European digital landscape.
