ReportInteractive Software Federation of Europe
Video Games – A Force for Good: Europe's Video Game Industry
1 Jan 202219 pages~25 min full read
The European video game market maintained a stable value of €23.3 billion in 2021, following the initial pandemic-driven surge.
The industry employs over 98,000 people across Europe, with 74,000 of those roles based within the EU.
Digital revenue dominates the sector, accounting for 81% of total market value through app-based gaming and in-game purchases.
Video gaming is a mainstream activity in Europe, engaging 52% of the population aged 6 to 64 with an average player age of 31.3 years.
Gender representation in gaming is nearly balanced, with women accounting for 48% of the total player base.
Average weekly playtime stabilized at nine hours in 2021, returning to pre-pandemic levels.
Industry-led initiatives, including the PEGI rating system and parental control tools, have successfully reduced unsupervised in-game spending by minors.
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.
