White Paper on Video Game Development in Spain 2015: Executive Summary

The 2015 White Paper on Video Game Development in Spain provides a comprehensive analysis of the national gaming industry, detailing its rapid expansion, economic impact, and structural characteristics. Based on a survey of Spanish companies conducted in May 2015, the report highlights a sector defined by youth and digital innovation. With over 400 registered companies—a net increase of 70 firms from the previous year—the industry is characterized by a high concentration of recently established businesses, as 65% of companies were launched within the five years preceding the study.

Financially, the sector demonstrates strong growth, reporting a 2014 turnover of 412.4 million euros, a 31% increase over 2013. Projections indicate a compound annual growth rate of 24.7% through 2018, with expectations to reach one billion euros in annual revenue. This growth is heavily driven by digital distribution, which accounts for 90% of total turnover, primarily through direct downloads and free-to-play models. The industry is also highly internationalized, with 56% of its revenue generated from foreign markets, particularly Europe and North America.

Employment trends mirror this economic trajectory, with the sector directly employing 3,376 professionals and supporting a total of 6,632 jobs when accounting for indirect roles. The workforce is notably young and highly educated, with 67% holding higher education degrees. Despite this, 56% of companies report difficulty in recruiting suitable talent, specifically citing shortages in software development and monetization expertise. Looking forward, the industry is increasingly pivoting toward emerging trends, with virtual reality, gamification, and serious games identified as the primary areas for future development and investment.