In 2024 the European video‑game market posted a combined turnover of roughly €24 billion, a figure that underscores the sector’s continuing economic significance across the region. More than 6,600 development studios were active during the year, collectively employing a workforce that now exceeds 95,000 individuals. These numbers come from the European Video Game Industry Insights Report, a joint publication by the European Games Development Association (EGDF) and Video Games Europe (VGA), which aggregates data supplied by the 28 EGDF member organisations. The methodology behind the report is worth noting: each member first compiles a national snapshot of its own industry, after which the EGDF consolidates these individual submissions into a single, Europe‑wide dataset.
Because of the time required to gather, verify, and harmonise the information, the 2024 edition of the report actually reflects activity from the previous calendar year, but it remains the most reliable source for understanding the current state of the market. One of the most striking observations in the analysis is the divergence between talent‑base growth and studio proliferation. While the overall pool of skilled professionals in the gaming sector appears to have stalled – a rare pause in an industry that has historically expanded at a rapid pace – the number of active studios continued to rise, with an increase estimated between five and ten percent over the prior year.
This suggests that existing talent is being redistributed across a larger number of smaller or medium‑sized enterprises, rather than being concentrated in a few large developers. Country‑by‑country breakdowns illustrate the trend.
Finland, Italy and the Czech Republic each reported modest gains in employment, indicating that their local ecosystems are still attracting or retaining developers. Poland stands out as the clear leader in terms of sheer headcount; it not only employs the greatest number of individuals in game creation and publishing across the EU, but it also produced the highest volume of new titles, with 450 releases recorded during the reporting period. The United Kingdom, another major hub, saw its gaming workforce reach 28,516 professionals, reinforcing its position as a key market for both development and publishing activities. The 2024 report also marked the first inclusion of two previously untracked economies: Bulgaria and Cyprus.
Cyprus, despite its relatively small size, generated €4.3 billion in turnover, earning the description of the "main game industry hub in terms of combined revenue" within the report. Bulgaria, meanwhile, was highlighted as an "important regional hub surrounded by key European game industry talent"—a nod to its strategic location adjacent to talent pools in Romania and Türkiye, and its growing reputation as a supportive environment for game studios. The EGDF’s commentary on the findings paints a nuanced picture.
On the one hand, the association emphasizes that, even in the face of broader economic headwinds, many European nations have managed to sustain growth in both revenue and the number of operating studios. This dual‑track progress has helped lift the continent’s overall performance metrics, suggesting a resilient sector capable of adapting to changing market conditions. On the other hand, the report does not shy away from acknowledging the challenges that have emerged.
Across several markets, companies have undertaken layoffs, engaged in consolidation activities, and experienced a net decline in employment figures. For the first time since systematic tracking began, a small dip in total employment was recorded in certain countries, signaling that the industry is not immune to the cyclical pressures that affect other creative and technology sectors. Looking ahead, the data imply that the European gaming landscape may be entering a phase of consolidation and optimisation rather than unchecked expansion.
Developers and publishers are likely to focus on improving efficiency, leveraging cross‑border collaborations, and tapping into emerging talent pipelines—such as university programmes, coding bootcamps, and specialised training initiatives—to replenish the talent base that has plateaued. Policy makers and industry bodies can play a pivotal role in this transition. By fostering supportive regulatory environments, offering incentives for research and development, and investing in education that aligns with the technical demands of modern game creation (including AI‑driven tools, immersive technologies, and live‑service models), they can help ensure that the talent pipeline regains momentum. In summary, the 2024 European Video Game Industry Insights Report paints a picture of a sector that remains financially robust, with €24 billion in turnover and a workforce approaching the 100,000‑mark.
While studio numbers have risen, the stagnation in talent growth and the emergence of layoffs in some regions serve as cautionary signals. The inclusion of Bulgaria and Cyprus expands the geographical scope of the analysis, highlighting new hubs that contribute to the continent’s diverse gaming ecosystem. As Europe continues to navigate these mixed signals, the balance between revenue generation, studio proliferation, and sustainable employment will define the next chapter of its gaming industry.