Library | Game Industry Library

European Commission Study About Business-to-Consumer Contractual Arrangements in the Data Economy

The statement submitted by Video Games Europe and the European Games Developer Federation (EGDF) seeks to clarify the interpretation of “data contracts” within the European Commission’s study on Business‑to‑Consumer (B2C) contractual arrangements in the data economy. It argues that the survey’s definition of data contracts—where consumers provide personal data in exchange for digital content or services, with or without payment—fails to reflect the Digital Content Directive’s narrower scope, which excludes personal data processed solely for the performance of the contract or legal compliance. Consequently, routine data processing required to deliver video‑game content, such as technical device information and account registration details, should not be treated as a separate means of access or a distinct contractual element. The response highlights that most data‑processing activities in video games are performed on the basis of contractual necessity, legal obligations, or legitimate interests rather than consumer consent, rendering questions about consent withdrawal largely irrelevant. It stresses that treating essential processing as a “data contract” could distort market analysis and policy formulation. The statement also provides a snapshot of the European video‑games sector: roughly 5,000 developer studios and publishers, employing about 98,000 people, generating €23.3 billion in 2021, and representing the third‑largest global market for video games. By situating its concerns within the broader regulatory framework, the statement calls for the survey to adopt the Digital Content Directive’s definition and to distinguish between data required for service delivery and data exchanged as a commercial consideration. This clarification aims to ensure that any forthcoming policy measures accurately reflect the realities of the European video‑games ecosystem.

regulation europe player-behavior+1

Video Games EuropeJan 2023

Legal

Position Paper: Public Consultation for the Fitness Check of EU Consumer Law on Digital Fairness

The analysis contends that the existing EU consumer‑protection framework is already adequate for ensuring digital fairness in the video‑game sector and should be fully deployed before any new legislation is considered. It calls for a coordinated, holistic approach that aligns the 2021 Guidance on digital services and the enforcement powers granted by the Omnibus Directive, and urges the European Commission to publish clear, ex‑ante guidelines on fair commercial practices. The industry’s self‑regulatory PEGI system, which enjoys roughly three‑quarters consumer awareness and provides age‑appropriate ratings, is presented as a cornerstone of this coordinated framework. Evidence is offered that the current acquis effectively bans manipulative tactics such as bait‑and‑switch and false testimonials, with notable success in the gaming market. Coordinated actions by national consumer protection authorities on in‑app purchases during 2013‑14 and the Italian competition authority’s 2020 commitments on loot‑box transparency illustrate the system’s capacity to curb unfair practices. The analysis warns that forthcoming rules could duplicate or undermine these established mechanisms. A specific argument is made regarding in‑game currencies, which are characterised as non‑convertible digital content lacking real‑world monetary value. Accordingly, they should be exempt from “monetary equivalence” regulations, provided that transparency is achieved by displaying the real‑currency price at the point of purchase and clearly informing players of the transaction details. The overall recommendation is to rely on the existing EU consumer‑protection instruments, reinforced by industry self‑regulation, to safeguard digital fairness across the European video‑game market.

regulation europe advertising+1

Video Games EuropeFeb 2023

Legal

European Commission Proposal for a Regulation Laying Down Rules to Prevent and Combat Child Sexual Abuse

The position presented by Video Games Europe and the European Games Developer Federation seeks to shape the European Commission’s proposed regulation on child sexual abuse online by emphasizing that interactive video‑game environments already embody a robust, safety‑by‑design framework. It argues that the sector’s long‑standing tools, standards and cooperation mechanisms make online gaming one of the safest digital activities for children, and that regulatory measures should be calibrated to the low risk inherent in in‑game communications rather than applying a uniform, high‑risk model. Across Europe more than half of the population engages in video‑game play, with children constituting a significant share. In‑game chat is typically short, text‑or voice‑based, pseudonymous, filtered, reportable and can be disabled, limiting opportunities for the exchange of illicit material. Empirical evidence shows a minimal incidence of abuse: a 2020 Ofcom/ICO survey of roughly 4,000 respondents found only 2 % of adults and 3 % of children reporting harms via gameplay, while an Interpol report noted no significant rise in cases of children targeted on game platforms. NCMEC’s 2021 Cybertipline data confirm that CSAM and grooming incidents on video‑game services are considerably lower than on platforms centred on photo or video sharing. An Ipsos poll further reveals that 60 % of parents restrict multiplayer access and, among the 40 % who allow it, 80 % supervise interactions. The

regulation europe player-behavior+1

Video Games EuropeFeb 2023

Legal

Trialogue Negotiations on the Proposal for an e-Privacy Regulation: Key Considerations from the Video Games Industry

Video Games Europe, representing 17 major publishers and national trade associations across 15 European countries, urges trialogue negotiators to craft an e‑Privacy Regulation that aligns with GDPR consistency while preserving the sector’s capacity to innovate and protect users. The industry, valued at €23 billion in consumer spend in 2020 and growing 22 percent year‑on‑year, comprises roughly 5,100 developer studios and publishers with combined annual turnover of €12 billion and a workforce of about 90 000 employees. Key positions stress that in‑game communications, particularly chat rooms open to all players, must remain outside the definition of an interpersonal communication service, as clarified in Recital 11aa, to enable monitoring for cheating, hate speech, bullying, grooming and child sexual abuse. Requiring consent for such monitoring would be ineffective, especially for under‑age users, and could impede investigations. The industry also seeks broad adoption of the Council’s provisions in Article 8, allowing processing of terminal equipment information for performance optimisation, audience measurement, security, fraud prevention and software updates without individual consent, thereby avoiding consent fatigue and cumbersome parental authorisation. Video Games Europe opposes the introduction of mandatory privacy‑setting requirements in Article 10, arguing that they would stifle competition, concentrate power among a few software providers, and impose costly technical burdens on consoles. Finally, the association calls for Article 11 to be aligned with GDPR Article 23, expanding public‑interest exemptions to include protection of data subjects, enforcement of civil claims and IP enforcement, ensuring law‑enforcement access while safeguarding fundamental rights.

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Video Games EuropeJan 2021

Legal

Video Games Europe & EGDF: Position on the Product Liability Directive Review

Video games and their developers argue that the European Commission’s proposal to revise the Product Liability Directive (PLD) would unjustly broaden liability by treating standalone software, including video games, as generic “products.” The core thesis is that video games are complex cultural works comprising software, music, narrative, graphics and user‑generated content, and therefore should not be subject to the strict, no‑fault liability regime designed for high‑risk physical goods. The position stresses that existing legal frameworks—such as the Computer Programs Directive, the 2001/21/EC Copyright Directive, the Digital Content Directive, the GDPR, and consumer‑rights legislation—already provide adequate protection, while the proposed PLD amendment would create legal uncertainty, overlap, and disproportionate exposure for developers. Key findings highlight the sector’s long‑standing self‑regulation through the PEGI age‑rating system, now used in 38 European countries, and the deployment of parental‑control tools on consoles and other platforms for two decades. Survey data from the Commission’s impact assessment reveal low public support for compensating damages caused by intangible items that do not drive a device, with only 42 % agreeing to such liability for software apps and 48 % for the category that would include video games. The paper notes that the PLD’s definition of “defectiveness” relies on vague concepts such as “reasonably foreseeable misuse,” which could unfairly penalise iterative software development and frequent patching practices. The scope of the argument covers the entire European Union, referencing 27 Member States and the broader digital market. Economic data underscore the sector’s significance: the European video‑games market generated approximately €23 billion in consumer spending in 2021, comprises over 5,100 studios with a combined turnover of €12 billion, and employs around 90 000 people. EGDF represents more than 2 500 developer studios and 45 000 employees across 22 countries. No primary survey was conducted; the analysis relies on existing EU impact‑assessment questionnaires and legal precedents from the Court of Justice of the EU. Conclusions call for the exclusion of video games from the PLD’s definition of “product,” warning that the proposed liability regime could deter innovation, increase litigation risk, and undermine Europe’s digital and cultural future. The paper urges policymakers to retain the current, sector‑specific regulatory architecture and to avoid a one‑size‑fits‑all approach that fails to distinguish between high‑risk physical products and interactive digital entertainment.

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Video Games EuropeMar 2023

Legal

Video Games Europe: Contribution on Ecodesign for Sustainable Products

The submission aims to shape the European Commission’s new ecodesign priorities by presenting the video‑games sector’s perspective on durability, repairability and the risks of imposing uniform horizontal requirements across ICT products. It argues that the industry already contributes to the EU green transition through initiatives such as the UNEP‑facilitated Playing for the Planet Alliance and the Games Console Voluntary Agreement, which embed resource‑efficiency, recyclability and out‑of‑warranty repair provisions for consoles. The sector stresses that any additional measures should build on these existing frameworks rather than create overlapping regulations. Key observations highlight the diversity of ICT devices—consoles, PCs, laptops, tablets, smartphones, TVs and printers—and note that their functional and technical differences make a one‑size‑fits‑all approach impractical. Standardising components or limiting material counts, the response warns, could curb innovation, diminish spill‑over benefits to fields such as healthcare and AI, and restrict creative freedom for developers. It also stresses the need for safeguards protecting intellectual‑property rights and consumer safety when sharing repair information, given the reliance on proprietary diagnostic tools and trusted‑platform modules. The commentary points out that durability, labelling and repair‑information requirements are already covered by the EU Sales of Goods Directive (2021) and the forthcoming Right‑to‑Repair proposal, and that new horizontal rules could generate legal uncertainty. The sector’s scope encompasses the European market, representing roughly 5,000 studios, over 98 000 employees and a 2021 turnover of €23.3 billion, serving more than 135 million players across 18 countries. The response, submitted in May 2023, draws on existing voluntary agreements and industry data rather than a formal survey.

regulation europe market-analysis

Video Games EuropeMay 2023

Legal

The Future of the Electronic Communications Sector and Its Infrastructure – Video Games Europe Reply

Video Games Europe argues that imposing network fees on high‑bandwidth users would harm consumers, the broader Internet ecosystem and the European video‑games sector. The contribution to the European Commission’s exploratory consultation stresses that such fees are legally, technically and practically untenable, and directly conflict with the net‑neutrality principle enshrined in the Open Internet Regulation. It contends that content and application providers (CAPs) do not “free‑ride” on telecom infrastructure; instead, they generate demand that fuels competition and investment in connectivity, creating a mutually reinforcing virtuous cycle that benefits both ISPs and end‑users. The position paper highlights several concrete concerns. First, mandatory contributions would add a financial burden to video‑game publishers already obliged under the Digital Content Directive to deliver frequent updates and security patches, potentially requiring costly deep‑packet inspection to differentiate fee‑eligible traffic. Second, the introduction of traffic‑based fees threatens the equal treatment of data flows, jeopardising net neutrality and prompting opposition from civil‑society groups and a large cohort of European Parliament members. Third, the sector points to evidence from BEREC and ETNO that data‑traffic growth has not translated into proportional energy consumption, thanks to efficiency gains and renewable‑energy adoption; cloud‑based delivery models further reduce carbon footprints by limiting unnecessary downloads and hardware upgrades. Scope-wise, the analysis covers the European Union’s electronic‑communications market as of 2023, focusing on the video‑games industry, which comprises roughly 5,100 studios and publishers, generates an estimated €12 billion in annual turnover, employs over 90 000 people and recorded €23 billion in consumer spending in 2021. The contribution draws on industry membership data, BEREC sustainability reports and internal assessments rather than a formal survey, reflecting the collective view of 19 major publishers and national trade associations across 15 EU countries. The overarching conclusion is that network fees are unnecessary, would diminish Europe’s digital competitiveness, and could impede environmental progress, urging policymakers to preserve the current open‑Internet framework.

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Video Games EuropeMay 2023

Legal

Initiative on Virtual Worlds: A Head Start Towards the Next Technological Transition

The response aims to shape EU policy on virtual worlds and the emerging metaverse by presenting the video games sector’s perspective, emphasizing that the concept remains fluid and should not be prematurely defined. It argues that existing EU digital legislation—covering consumer protection, competition, data protection, and cybersecurity—already applies to virtual environments, and that imposing legal interoperability at this early stage would hinder innovation. The submission stresses the strategic importance of digital‑skills education, urging a holistic pipeline from primary schools to higher education and the removal of immigration barriers to attract global talent. Historical evidence shows that virtual worlds have long existed in games, from the 1974 MazeWar prototype to contemporary platforms such as Roblox, Fortnite and Animal Crossing, demonstrating their role in fostering social capital and community resilience, especially during the COVID‑19 pandemic. Empirical data underline the sector’s economic weight: European consumer spending reached €23 billion in 2021, the industry comprises over 5,100 studios, generates more than €12 billion in annual turnover and employs roughly 90 000 people. A forecast for Sweden predicts a shortfall of 25 000 game developers by 2031, highlighting a broader talent gap across the EU. The text calls for expanded public‑funding mechanisms—Horizon Europe, Digital Europe, InvestEU—and the inclusion of video games in the General Block Exemption Regulation to enable SMEs to access support. It also advocates for greater awareness of existing R&I schemes, stronger public‑private partnerships, and the preservation of unlicensed spectrum for Wi‑Fi to sustain network capacity, noting that current fixed‑line and mobile traffic growth rates have stabilized below 20 % and 10 % respectively. Overall, the submission positions the video games industry as a catalyst for Europe’s digital transition while urging measured, standards‑based regulation that respects market dynamics.

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Video Games EuropeMay 2023

Legal

Video Games Europe: Position on the Right-to-Repair Directive Proposal

Video Games Europe endorses the European Commission’s draft Directive on common rules promoting the repair of goods, framing the initiative as essential to the EU’s green transition and to more sustainable consumption of electronic products. The organization argues that the gaming sector, which generated €23.3 billion in revenue in 2020, employs around 90 000 people and reaches roughly 250 million European players—over half of whom use consoles—has already established effective repair and refurbishment practices that should inform the legislation. The core recommendation is that a replacement with a refurbished console be treated as equivalent to a repair, reflecting the voluntary agreement among major console makers (Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo) that provides authorised repair centres, a stock of refurbished units, and a typical repair turnaround of less than 14 working days. This approach is presented as both cost‑effective for consumers—repairs or refurbished replacements cost well below a new unit—and beneficial for the circular economy. The paper opposes the parliamentary proposal for mandatory loaned replacements during repairs, citing logistical complexity, fraud risk, and additional environmental burdens from extra shipping. It also welcomes the Commission’s decision to avoid fixed maximum repair times, preferring the “reasonable period of time” standard from Directive (EU) 2019/771, and supports retaining the current two‑year legal guarantee, noting that extending it would yield only 0.3 % CO₂ savings and negligible waste reduction over 15 years while imposing higher costs on firms. A market‑based pricing regime for repairs is advocated, arguing that price controls would channel demand to manufacturers and marginalise independent repairers. The organization cautions against expanding the scope to include batteries or imposing direct producer liability, recommending that such matters be addressed within the existing Batteries Regulation and consumer‑protection framework to avoid legal uncertainty. Overall, the submission seeks to align the right‑to‑repair rules with proven industry practices, ensuring environmental objectives are met without compromising consumer convenience or market competition.

regulation europe market-analysis

Video Games EuropeAug 2023

Report

In-Game Spending: Parents' Supervision of In-Game Spending 2023

The research investigates how parents supervise and manage their children’s in‑game purchases, tracking trends across five European markets—United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain and Italy—over four survey waves (2018, 2019, 2020 and 2023). Each wave surveyed adult parents or guardians of children who play video games, with sample sizes ranging from 962 in 2018 to 2,808 in 2023, providing a broad cross‑section of the region’s gaming households. Findings show that three‑quarters of parents consistently report that their children do not spend on in‑game extras, a proportion that has remained stable since 2020. Among the minority who do spend, the average monthly outlay rose from €33 in 2020 to €39 in 2023, reflecting a €6 increase that aligns with inflation. Most spending (64 %) falls within the €1‑20 range, with the most popular items being gameplay‑impacting content (34 %) and decorative or cosmetic items (just under one third). Loot boxes and other unknown‑reward items remain relatively unpopular. Parental oversight is high: nine‑in‑ten parents of spending children have some form of agreement, half of which are explicit—either seeking permission (38 %) or setting limits (23 %). Preferred monitoring tools include credit‑card bill checks, parental‑control settings, and two‑factor authentication, though 44 % of parents who avoid controls deem them unnecessary and 32 % find them difficult to activate. Awareness of in‑game currency and loot boxes among all players (ages 11‑64) is also limited, with only 9 % having purchased in‑game currency and 4 % having bought loot boxes. The study’s methodology relies on standardized questionnaires administered to representative adult panels in each country, ensuring comparability within each survey year while noting that cross‑year comparisons are constrained by methodological changes.

monetization player-behavior market-analysis+1

Video Games EuropeJan 2023

Report

Transparent and Fair Purchases of In-Game Content

The initiative seeks to ensure that European players can make informed, transparent decisions when purchasing in‑game content, while safeguarding minors from unintended spending. It builds on the PEGI Age Rating System, now operating in forty countries, and introduces a three‑part policy framework: the PEGI Code of Conduct for purchasable content, additional safeguards focused on younger players, and coordinated information campaigns supported by trusted data. Statistical evidence shows that 20.8 % of all games receiving a PEGI rating include in‑game purchase options, with 3 % offering paid random items such as loot boxes. An annual Ipsos survey commissioned by Video Games Europe from 2018 to 2024, covering the five largest European consumer‑spend markets, reveals that parental supervision remains high—95 % of Swedish parents monitor spending—and that 76 % of parents report their children do not make in‑game purchases, a figure stable since 2020. Average spend among permitted purchasers fell 21 % in the Netherlands since 2023, and only 11 % of players aged 11‑64 have bought in‑game currency across the surveyed regions. The PEGI Code of Conduct obliges signatories to display a dedicated icon at the point of purchase, provide receipts, and clearly state the real‑world cost of any virtual currency. For paid random items, it mandates visible notices, confirms that such purchases are optional, and requires transparent probability disclosures in line with data‑protection laws. Additional safeguards include parental tools that default to zero spending for child accounts, separation of transaction interfaces from gameplay, and refund mechanisms for unauthorized purchases. Policies also prohibit the use of in‑game assets for illegal gambling or unauthorised trading, with enforcement powers vested in the PEGI Enforcement Committee. Information campaigns, such as the Pan‑European “Seize the Controls” effort, aim to raise awareness of these tools and safeguards in national languages, leveraging partnerships with Safer Internet Centres and other stakeholders. The industry welcomes further support from EU institutions and member states to amplify outreach and reinforce responsible spending practices across the European gaming ecosystem.

monetization europe mobile+1

Video Games EuropeApr 2024

Legal

AI and Copyright

The paper advocates a balanced approach to artificial‑intelligence deployment in the European video‑games sector, emphasizing that AI should be nurtured as a driver of creativity and economic growth while preserving the core objectives of the existing copyright framework. It argues that the industry’s reliance on technological innovation and a robust copyright regime is essential for long‑term investment, and that any regulatory response must protect creators, respect trade secrets and avoid unnecessary burdens on developers and players. AI has been embedded in games for more than a decade, from procedural terrain generation to advanced moderation tools, and generative models now promise to accelerate content creation, reduce production costs and enrich player experiences. The paper notes that most AI applications remain non‑generative, but where generative tools are used—whether for code, narrative or visual assets—they should be treated as ordinary creative aids: works that reflect a human author’s original choices retain copyright protection. It endorses the text‑and‑data‑mining exceptions of the EU’s DSM Copyright Directive as a suitable legal basis for training models, warning against additional EU legislation that could create uncertainty and distort competition. Risk‑based regulation is recommended, with low‑risk uses such as internal foundation models for short dialogue exempt from mandatory transparency or labeling. Mandatory disclosure should be limited to cases where it does not jeopardize trade secrets or impose disproportionate costs, and labeling obligations are deemed unnecessary in contexts where players already expect AI‑assisted content. The paper also highlights the need for international cooperation to harmonize standards and protect creators globally. The position reflects the perspective of a pan‑European industry body representing 19 game companies and 13 national trade associations, a sector valued at €24.5 billion with 53 % of Europeans identified as players. It calls on policymakers to engage continuously with stakeholders, to proceed cautiously with any legal changes, and to preserve the balance between innovation and creator rights that underpins the European video‑games ecosystem.

ai market-analysis europe

Video Games EuropeApr 2024

Report

How to Master Europe’s Digital Infrastructure Needs?

Video Games Europe argues that Europe’s digital infrastructure policy should reinforce, rather than reshape, the existing market dynamics that underpin the continent’s thriving video‑game ecosystem. Representing roughly 110 000 employees and a €24.5 billion industry in which 53 percent of Europeans play, the association stresses that the sector’s growth is driven by digital distribution, which already reduces the environmental burden of physical media and, in many cases, relies on cloud delivery to limit data transfer. Typical online gameplay consumes between 60 and 80 megabytes per hour, with even the most data‑intensive titles rarely exceeding 250–300 megabytes, a fraction of the traffic generated by video streaming services. The response highlights that network operators successfully managed the surge in traffic during the COVID‑19 lockdowns and that game publishers have collaborated with ISPs and content‑delivery networks to smooth peak loads through measures such as off‑peak download scheduling. It refutes claims that content providers “free‑ride” on ISP infrastructure, noting that publishers already pay for enhanced upload capacity and invest in their own CDN and data‑centre assets. Consequently, the relationship between content and application providers and ISPs is portrayed as symbiotic, fostering competition and consumer choice. Against proposals to impose network fees or extend the European Electronic Communications Code to cloud services, the association warns that such pre‑emptive regulation could undermine net neutrality, increase consumer prices, and jeopardise Europe’s digital competitiveness. It calls for regulatory stability to protect investment security and urges that any infrastructure deployment be guided by concrete market demand rather than aspirational targets. The position draws on industry data, BEREC assessments of network resilience, and the sector’s own mitigation practices, concluding that preserving the current regulatory framework will best support sustainable growth and innovation across Europe’s digital economy.

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Video Games EuropeJun 2024

Legal

Call for Contributions - Competition in ‘Virtual Worlds’ and Generative Artificial Intelligence

Video Games Europe submits a focused perspective on competition in virtual worlds and generative artificial intelligence, emphasizing that both technologies are central to the European video‑games sector’s ongoing innovation and consumer value. The contribution argues that regulatory interventions should be proportionate, evidence‑based, and designed to preserve the sector’s dynamism, warning that premature or overly prescriptive rules could impede the development of diverse business models and emerging services. The analysis traces the evolution of virtual worlds from early networked games such as Mazewar (1974) through the rise of MMORPGs in the late 1990s and the recent popularity of platforms like Roblox, Fortnite and Animal Crossing, highlighting the sector’s historic reliance on immersive, persistent environments. Competition is described as vibrant, driven by talent, proprietary technologies, intellectual‑property access, data, AI advances, connectivity and net‑neutrality. Over 5,500 companies operated in the EU in 2021, with roughly 500 new developers entering the market that year, illustrating a high level of market entry and diversification. The response notes a shift toward open standards and interoperability, urging support for multilateral standard‑setting bodies while cautioning against mandatory interoperability mandates that could stifle innovation. Regarding generative AI, the text observes that the technology is still nascent in game production but promises substantial productivity gains by enabling rapid creation of assets such as 3D models, dialogue and sound effects. It identifies key competitive factors—algorithms, data, training infrastructure, bias mitigation, skilled labour and regulatory guardrails—and stresses that existing frameworks for text‑and‑data mining and the forthcoming AI Act should remain the basis for policy, avoiding additional legislative changes without thorough impact assessment. Overall, the contribution underscores that the EU’s existing antitrust tools, including the DMA, are sufficient to address competition concerns in these fast‑moving domains, provided they are applied with continued stakeholder engagement.

ai regulation europe+1

Video Games EuropeMar 2024

Report

Children’s In-Game Spending 2024

Ipsos’ fifth edition of the In‑Game Spending by Children and Parent Supervision study tracks how European families manage micro‑transactions in video games, focusing on trends from 2018 through 2024. The research aims to gauge the prevalence of child‑initiated spending, the amount of money involved, and the supervisory mechanisms parents employ. The 2024 survey covered the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain and Italy, sampling 2,772 adults with children who play games and 10,998 gamers aged 11‑64, using quota‑based online panels weighted to national populations. Three‑quarters of parents report that their children do not purchase in‑game extras, a proportion that has remained stable since 2020. Among the 26 % who do spend, average monthly outlays fell to €31, down €8 from the previous year, with 73 % of spenders allocating €1‑20 per month. Gameplay‑impacting items such as new weapons or powers attract the most expenditure (38 %), while decorative cosmetics account for 30 % and loot‑box‑type rewards remain the least popular at 21 %. Parental oversight is high: 95 % of spending households have an agreement with their child, and 63 % maintain explicit rules, either requiring permission (49 %) or setting limits (27 %). Permission‑based agreements and two‑factor authentication have risen year‑on‑year, while a minority (5 %) admit to monitoring nothing. Among all gamers surveyed, only 11 % have ever bought real‑money in‑game currency and 4 % have purchased loot boxes, figures that have shown little change over

monetization player-behavior market-analysis+1

Video Games EuropeJun 2024

Report

Video Games in European Schools: Results from the Games in Schools 2023-2024 Research Project

**Executive Summary – “Video Games in European Schools”** *(Based on the 2023‑2024 “Games in Schools” research project and the 25‑section document you provided)* | **What we know** | **Key figures** | **Implications** | |------------------|----------------|------------------| | **Teacher attitudes & usage** | • 1 474 teachers surveyed in 26 EU countries • 63 % want more training • Only 36 % currently use games; of those, 54 % use them **regularly** | There is strong demand for professional development, but adoption is still limited. | | **Perceived benefits** | • Boosts motivation, engagement, and inclusive learning • Improves visuospatial cognition, attention, problem‑solving, creativity, collaborative skills, psychological capital (self‑efficacy, hope, resilience) • Particularly helpful for low‑performing, special‑needs, and female students who play heavily | Games can be a lever for equity and 21st‑century competencies, but the impact varies by design and context. | | **Barriers** | • Difficulty finding age‑appropriate, curriculum‑aligned titles • Limited teacher expertise & time • Insufficient hardware, licences, and broadband • Parental concerns (screen‑time, data‑privacy, violence) • Lack of clear pedagogical frameworks & assessment tools | Overcoming these obstacles requires coordinated policy, funding, and teacher‑support structures. | | **Enablers & best‑practice examples** | • **Belgium (Flemish)** – “Education meets Games” events, strong focus‑group outcomes • **Italy** – IVIPRO EDU, Maker Camp (Minecraft), Lega Scolastica esports league • **Poland** – Free national rollout of *This War of Mine* with teacher guide • **Luxembourg** – Dedicated “Digital Science” subject, Play Seriously handbook • **Sweden** – Gamecamp programme (97 % transition to higher‑education pathways) | Nationally coordinated programmes that combine funding, teacher training, and curated game libraries are the most successful. | | **Market context** | • European video‑game market > €25 bn annually, 115 000 employees • 53 % of Europeans play; ~50 % are women • Industry bodies (Video Games Europe) and EU programmes (Horizon Europe, Creative Europe) are already positioning games as tools for education, inclusion, and wellbeing | A large, growing industry is ready to partner with schools, but alignment on educational goals is still needed. | | **Research gaps**

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European SchoolnetNov 2024

Legal

Response to the Call for Evidence on the Action Plan against Cyberbullying

Video Games Europe submits a position in response to the European Commission’s call for evidence on an Action Plan against cyberbullying, arguing that the sector already implements a robust “safety‑by‑design” framework and that cyberbullying is comparatively rare within video‑game environments. The central thesis is that a harmonised EU approach should recognise the distinct risk profiles of digital services, rely on empirical data, and integrate self‑regulation, parental involvement and targeted awareness campaigns. Empirical evidence underpins the argument. A market‑research study commissioned from Jigsaw surveyed 2,500 teenagers (aged 12‑15) and 2,500 adults across France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom. Only 12 % of teens and 3 % of adults identified video games as a source of recent online harm, versus 70 % and 63 % respectively for social media. Bullying was reported by 5 % of teens and 1 % of adults in gaming contexts, compared with 67 % and 69 % on social platforms. Parallel findings from an OFCOM‑commissioned UK survey (2,080 adults, 2,001 children, early 2022) showed 2‑3 % experiencing harms via gaming. The Insafe helpline’s Q1 2025 data corroborated these trends, attributing 8 % of reported issues to gaming platforms, against 68 % for social media and 20 % for messaging services. The sector’s preventive architecture rests on five pillars: the PEGI age‑rating system with scientifically backed criteria; a contractually enforceable Code of Conduct that bans illegal or harmful content and mandates reporting mechanisms; community‑management tools such as automated toxicity detection, moderation and bans; parental‑control solutions supported by multilingual awareness campaigns in 14 countries; and independent consumer redress through a complaints board and enforcement committee. These mechanisms aim to keep online interaction safe for minors while preserving the openness of the market. Policy recommendations stress that an EU‑wide anti‑cy

player-behavior diversity-inclusion europe

Video Games EuropeSept 2025

Legal

Video Games Europe: Response on the General Block Exemption Regulation Revision

The European video‑games sector, generating €26.8 billion in revenue in 2024 and employing more than 116 000 people, is presented as a distinct hybrid of cultural and technological activity that warrants explicit inclusion in the General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER). By classifying video games as an “experimental development” field, the aim is to eliminate legal uncertainty, harmonise state‑aid rules across the Union and enable Member States to support the industry with greater certainty and efficiency. Evidence from national programmes demonstrates that targeted aid already yields strong economic returns at modest fiscal cost. In France, a tax‑credit scheme raised the share of locally produced content from 63 % to 77 % and added €322 million of production value, while Germany’s support generated between €1.60 and €2.00 of additional project spending for each euro of aid and created 1 725 new jobs. These outcomes illustrate the sector’s capacity to stimulate investment, localisation and employment when supported by clear, predictable incentives. The argument stresses that video games drive digital innovation, new business models and skills development, reaching 54 % of Europeans and contributing to broader research‑and‑development objectives. Aligning GBER provisions with existing Horizon Europe mechanisms and introducing a modernised “cultural test” would clarify eligibility for research, development and innovation (RDI) activities, fostering a more coherent policy environment. Adopting a dedicated GBER category for video games would therefore support a rapidly growing industry, reinforce the EU’s cultural‑technological agenda and ensure that public funds are deployed effectively across all Member States.

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Video Games EuropeOct 2025

Report

Power of Play: 2025 Global Video Games Report

Across more than twenty national markets, the majority of gamers report that playing video games reduces stress and enhances happiness, with 70‑90 % indicating lower stress levels and 57‑91 % feeling happier. Respondents also cite diminished anxiety and isolation, while parents observe a positive shift in relationships with their children, ranging from roughly one‑third in Sweden to nearly four‑fifths in Nigeria. Mobile devices dominate the landscape, accounting for 60‑96 % of play sessions, and online multiplayer emerges as the most prevalent social mode. In the United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and United States, surveys of roughly three thousand gamers reveal consistent benefits: about 70‑80 % experience reduced stress and increased well‑being, and roughly two‑thirds of parents note improved parent‑child interaction. Genre preferences diverge, with UAE players favoring teamwork, collaboration and creativity, whereas UK and US gamers gravitate toward problem‑solving, critical‑thinking and cognitive‑skill development. Approximately half to sixty percent of participants perceive gaming as supportive of career‑related or hobby pursuits, and a similar share report enhancements in professional competencies. Research spanning multiple sectors demonstrates that video‑game‑based training yields measurable gains in cognition, decision‑making speed and technical performance. Gamers outperform non‑gamers in robotic‑surgery simulations, emergency‑response drills and retail‑seasonal‑sales scenarios, with meta‑analyses confirming statistically significant improvements in perception, attentional control and procedural accuracy. These outcomes translate into higher job performance, reduced error rates and stronger return on investment, prompting organizations such as NASA, the U.S. Air Force and elite sports teams to integrate game‑based platforms into their training pipelines.

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Video Games EuropeJan 2025

Legal

Digital Omnibus: Digital Package for Simplification

The paper argues that the European Union’s expanding digital regulatory landscape is creating overlapping and burdensome compliance requirements for the video‑games sector, threatening its global competitiveness. It calls for a coordinated “Digital Omnibus” that streamlines rules while preserving consumer protection, emphasizing that simplification must translate into tangible reductions in administrative and legal costs for companies. Key recommendations focus on six regulatory areas. First, greater legal certainty is needed for cross‑border data transfers, with clearer guidance on the use of Standard Contractual Clauses and the impact of their termination. Second, the rollout of the Data Act should include a grace period to accommodate long‑development cycles of consoles and to avoid data‑leak risks. Third, modest adjustments to the GDPR are urged to harmonise enforcement across Member States and to curb abusive data‑subject requests. Fourth, the ePrivacy framework should be modernised but retain the ability of game providers to process communications for safety, harassment prevention and cheating detection. Fifth, the Cyber Resilience Act requires precise definitions of “substantial modification” and practical guidance on CE marking for software distributed via app stores, with a shorter security‑update horizon for consoles. Sixth, the AI Act should be applied proportionately, recognising the low‑risk nature of most video‑games. The scope covers the EU digital market in 2025, targeting video‑game developers, publishers and platform operators. The position draws on industry data—Europe’s video‑games market is valued at €26.8 billion, supports 116 000 jobs, and reaches 54 % of Europeans—and on an OECD study estimating that full data localisation would cut global GDP by 4.5 % and reduce exports by 8.5 %. No primary survey is cited; the analysis is based on sector observations and existing economic research. The overall thrust is to achieve regulatory coherence that safeguards users while enabling the European video‑games industry to thrive internationally.

regulation europe ai+1

Video Games EuropeOct 2025

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