In 2024 the European video‑game industry posted a combined turnover of roughly €24 billion, supported by more than 6,600 development studios that together employed upwards of 95,000 individuals. These figures come from the latest European Video Game Industry Insights Report, a joint effort by the European Games Development Association (EGDF) and Video Games Europe (VGA). The report, which reflects data compiled throughout 2024, is the product of a two‑stage process: each of the 28 EGDF member organisations first prepares a national‑level analysis, after which the individual submissions are merged to create a comprehensive European snapshot.
One of the most striking takeaways from the study is that, despite a noticeable pause in the growth of the continent’s overall talent pool, the number of active game‑development studios continued to climb. Depending on the country, studio counts rose between five and ten percent during the year.
This modest but steady increase suggests that new entrants are still finding opportunities to launch operations, even as the sector grapples with broader workforce challenges. The report highlights several national markets where employment figures showed modest gains.
Finland, Italy, and the Czech Republic each recorded incremental rises in the number of people working in game creation, publishing, and related services. These gains, while not dramatic, indicate a resilient ecosystem that can sustain incremental expansion despite macro‑economic headwinds.
Poland emerged as the clear leader in terms of sheer employment volume. The country not only employed the highest number of game‑development professionals within the EU, but it also produced the largest catalogue of new titles, with 450 fresh releases recorded during the year.
The United Kingdom, another heavyweight in the European scene, reported a workforce of 28,516 individuals, underscoring its continued relevance as a major hub for both development and publishing activities. The 2024 edition of the report also marked the first inclusion of two previously unrepresented markets: Bulgaria and Cyprus.
Cyprus, in particular, posted a remarkable €4.3 billion in turnover, earning the description of the "main game industry hub in terms of combined revenue" for the region. Bulgaria was praised as an "important regional hub surrounded by key European game industry talent"—a nod to its strategic position adjacent to talent‑rich neighbours such as Romania and Türkiye.
EGDF officials emphasized that the data paints a nuanced picture of the sector’s health. "The report demonstrates that despite challenging times, industry growth continued in several countries, in both revenue and the number of studios, lifting both indicators at the European level," the association noted in its commentary. This sentiment reflects the dual reality of a market that can still generate robust financial results while simultaneously expanding its creative infrastructure.
However, the report does not shy away from acknowledging the less optimistic aspects of the landscape. It points out that layoffs, corporate consolidations, and a general slowdown in hiring have led to a stagnation of employment numbers across many regions. In fact, some countries experienced a slight decline in workforce size—a first for the European gaming sector since systematic data collection began. This dip signals that while revenue streams may remain strong, the sector’s labor market is undergoing a period of adjustment, likely driven by automation, shifting business models, and the need for more specialized skill sets.
Looking ahead, industry analysts suggest that the trends observed in 2024 could shape strategic decisions for studios and policymakers alike. The modest rise in studio numbers may encourage governments to bolster support mechanisms—such as tax incentives, training programs, and infrastructure investments—to sustain the pipeline of new entrants. At the same time, the employment stagnation highlights the importance of upskilling initiatives aimed at retaining talent and mitigating the impact of layoffs.
In summary, the European gaming industry in 2024 demonstrated a robust financial performance, with €24 billion in turnover and a network of over 6,600 studios supporting a workforce that surpassed the 95,000 mark. While certain markets like Poland and Cyprus showcased exceptional growth, the overall talent base showed signs of fatigue, prompting a call for targeted interventions to ensure that the sector can continue to thrive in a rapidly evolving global landscape.