ReportEuropean Games Developer Federation
Gaming in Europe: Key Facts 2022
1 Jan 202232 pages~25 min full read
The European gaming industry generated €24.5 billion in revenue in 2022, marking a 5% year-on-year growth rate and supporting a workforce of over 110,000 employees.
See it on page 14The player base has reached 126.5 million people, with the 45-64 age group now representing the largest demographic and women accounting for 47% of all players.
See it on page 8A critical talent shortage threatens future expansion, highlighted by a projected deficit of 25,000 developers in Sweden alone by 2031.
See it on page 17Industry staffing levels grew by 12% in 2022, though women remain underrepresented in the workforce, currently holding only 23.7% of roles.
See it on page 16Environmental initiatives, such as the Games Consoles Voluntary Agreement, have successfully reduced energy consumption by 54TWh across previous console generations.
See it on page 31Average weekly playtime has stabilized at 8.8 hours, while the industry continues to implement safety measures like the PEGI rating system and advanced parental controls.
See it on page 11The 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.
