Updated Mar 17, 2026 by Video Games Europe
Video Games Europe opposes mandatory network fees for high-bandwidth users, arguing they violate net-neutrality principles and would harm the European video-game sector.
The European video-games industry comprises approximately 5,100 studios and publishers, generating €12 billion in annual turnover and €23 billion in consumer spending as of 2021.
Imposing traffic-based fees would create significant financial and technical burdens for publishers, who are already required by the Digital Content Directive to provide frequent security patches and updates.
Data-traffic growth has not resulted in proportional increases in energy consumption due to efficiency gains and the adoption of renewable energy, according to BEREC and ETNO data.
The sector employs over 90,000 people across the EU and argues that content providers drive demand for connectivity, creating a mutually beneficial cycle for both ISPs and end-users.
Cloud-based delivery models are identified as a key strategy for reducing carbon footprints by minimizing the need for hardware upgrades and unnecessary data downloads.
Video Games Europe opposes mandatory network fees for high-bandwidth users, arguing they violate net-neutrality principles and would harm the European video-game sector.
The European video-games industry comprises approximately 5,100 studios and publishers, generating €12 billion in annual turnover and €23 billion in consumer spending as of 2021.
Imposing traffic-based fees would create significant financial and technical burdens for publishers, who are already required by the Digital Content Directive to provide frequent security patches and updates.
Data-traffic growth has not resulted in proportional increases in energy consumption due to efficiency gains and the adoption of renewable energy, according to BEREC and ETNO data.
The sector employs over 90,000 people across the EU and argues that content providers drive demand for connectivity, creating a mutually beneficial cycle for both ISPs and end-users.
Cloud-based delivery models are identified as a key strategy for reducing carbon footprints by minimizing the need for hardware upgrades and unnecessary data downloads.