The Italian Gaming Industry: A Rapidly Expanding Sector

Italy's gaming industry has witnessed significant growth, with a 50% increase in employees since 2021, now totaling 2,400. Although this number may seem modest compared to other countries, it signifies a promising start for the industry. According to Valerio Di Donato, CEO of 34BigThings, "The industry has evolved substantially over the past decade, transforming from a barren landscape to a thriving ecosystem." The introduction of tax breaks in 2021 has been a major catalyst for this growth, with the Italian government offering a 25% tax credit for game developers. Thalita Malagò, director general at IIDEA, notes, "It took considerable time to convince the government to support video games, but the introduction of tax credits has been a crucial step forward." While the tax relief has been beneficial for smaller studios, it may not be sufficient to attract significant investment from larger international organizations. The current €1m cap per company is seen as a major limitation, with many industry leaders advocating for an increase to €2m or €3m, or for the cap to be applied per product rather than per company. In addition to tax credits, Italian game developers are seeking simplified bureaucracy and reduced administrative burdens. Pietro De Grandi, CEO of Strelka, highlights the complexity of managing taxation and the need for a more streamlined process. The education sector also presents a challenge, with a lack of specialized courses and training programs for game developers. However, initiatives such as the Event Horizon School, which focuses on game development and digital art, are helping to address this gap. Andrea Leoni, co-founder of BitNine Studios, emphasizes the need for more education and training programs to support the growth of the industry. Despite these challenges, Italy's unique culture and history offer a distinct advantage for game developers. The country's rich cultural heritage, fashion, theater, and art forms provide a wealth of inspiration for game development. Pietro Rirghi Riva, creative director at Santa Ragione, notes, "We aim to create games that are quintessentially Italian, while also appealing to a global audience." The Italian gaming industry is poised for further growth, with many developers sharing a deep love for their country and a desire to create games that showcase its unique culture. As the industry continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see more innovative and successful games emerging from Italy, putting the country on the map as a major player in the global gaming industry.