The European Gaming Market in 2020

Key insights

4 slides

Industry Overview

The European game development sector is primarily composed of small and medium-sized enterprises.

The majority of game developer studios across Europe are SMEs. This structure characterizes the economic landscape of the regional video game industry.

Unified Voice

The EGDF serves as a unified representative body for developers in key European countries.

The EGDF provides a unified perspective on market dynamics.

Like a single voice for many different instruments in an orchestra, the EGDF brings together diverse regional bodies.

Regional Scope. The EGDF serves as a unified representative body for developers in countries including the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the Nordic nations.

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Summary

The Interactive Software Federation of Europe (ISFE) report on the European gaming market in 2020 serves as a primary resource for understanding the economic and structural landscape of the regional video game industry. Published in late 2020, the report provides a comprehensive overview of market performance, industry trends, and the socioeconomic footprint of game development across Europe. It functions as a foundational reference for stakeholders, policymakers, and industry analysts seeking to quantify the growth and reach of the sector during a pivotal period for digital entertainment.

The report highlights the significant scale of the European games industry, which is characterized by a robust network of over 2,500 developer studios. These entities, the majority of which are small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), collectively employ more than 40,000 professionals. By aggregating data from 22 European countries—including major hubs such as the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and the Nordic nations—the analysis underscores the industry's role as a major driver of digital innovation and employment within the European economy.

Methodologically, the report leverages the collective expertise of the European Games Developer Federation (EGDF) and its 24 national trade associations to provide a unified perspective on market dynamics. By synthesizing data from these diverse regional bodies, the findings offer a granular look at the industry’s health and its ongoing expansion. The report remains a critical document for those monitoring the intersection of European game development, regional economic policy, and the broader global gaming market.