Europe’s video games sector welcomes recommended changes to EU state aid rules

Video Games Europe and EGDF welcome recommendations made by the EU’s Culture Ministers this week. They would, in the future, allow Member States increased flexibility in providing financial support to Europe’s video games industry in order to improve its global standing. In its recommendations, “Building a European Strategy for the Cultural and Creative Industries”, the Culture Council acknowledges the value of video games to Europe’s economy and calls for financial aid rules to be adapted to allow for more flexible public support for the video games sector when the European Commission reviews state aid rules in 2023.

“This recommendation is an important political recognition of the value the sector brings to Europe. This will make it easier for EU countries to support their industry locally and to invest in the growth of Europe’s video game footprint. The video game sector should be seen as a strategic asset for Europe’s digital and creative growth and innovation capacity.”
Simon Little, CEO of Video Games Europe

“In many member states, public support for game developers and publishers has played a crucial role in enabling artistic risk-taking and accelerating the growth of the sector. Allowing Member States more flexibility in providing appropriate financial support is extremely welcome and will ultimately help Europe remain a frontrunner in digital culture, benefiting both society and the wider economy.”
Jari-Pekka Kaleva, Managing Director of EGDF (European Games Developer Federation)

Click here for European video games industry market data.