Updated Mar 17, 2026 by Video Games Europe
The European video game sector generated €26.8 billion in revenue in 2024 and employs over 116,000 people.
Industry advocates are lobbying for the inclusion of video games in the General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER) to classify them as 'experimental development,' which would harmonize state-aid rules and eliminate legal uncertainty across the EU.
Targeted state aid in Germany has proven effective, generating between €1.60 and €2.00 of additional project spending for every euro of aid while creating 1,725 new jobs.
In France, a dedicated tax-credit scheme increased the share of locally produced content from 63% to 77% and added €322 million in production value.
Video games reach 54% of the European population and are positioned as key drivers of digital innovation, skills development, and broader research-and-development objectives.
Proponents recommend aligning GBER provisions with Horizon Europe mechanisms and implementing a modernized 'cultural test' to clarify eligibility for research, development, and innovation funding.
The European video game sector generated €26.8 billion in revenue in 2024 and employs over 116,000 people.
Industry advocates are lobbying for the inclusion of video games in the General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER) to classify them as 'experimental development,' which would harmonize state-aid rules and eliminate legal uncertainty across the EU.
Targeted state aid in Germany has proven effective, generating between €1.60 and €2.00 of additional project spending for every euro of aid while creating 1,725 new jobs.
In France, a dedicated tax-credit scheme increased the share of locally produced content from 63% to 77% and added €322 million in production value.
Video games reach 54% of the European population and are positioned as key drivers of digital innovation, skills development, and broader research-and-development objectives.
Proponents recommend aligning GBER provisions with Horizon Europe mechanisms and implementing a modernized 'cultural test' to clarify eligibility for research, development, and innovation funding.