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Policy actions for boosting the EU video games sector

The 11th workshop by the European Video Games Society project focused on identifying policy actions to be undertaken especially at EU level, based on the structure of the project team’s research efforts.

European Video Games Society’s Workshop 11 is about Policy actions for boosting the EU video games sector. The online event took place on December 8, 2022. Nearly 20 stakeholders joined the eleventh workshop of the European Video Games Society, an initiative of the European Commission to support the video games ecosystem. The project, run by consultant companies Ecorys and KEA, aims to inform policy making on the impact of video games in various areas, identify ways for the EU to actively support the sector, and foster an active community in the ecosystem. The workshop focused on policy recommendations and actions to be undertaken, especially at EU level, to boost the video games sector in Europe. The event included two breakout session focused either on financial support and regulation in the video games sector or on employment, education, and the cultural value of video games. The main outcomes are the following. 1. Regarding financial support: public support to be more focused on tax and grants, more tailored to videogames as a specific media, and more abundant in budget, as well as the revision of the general block exemption regulation, NACE codes, EC communication on State aid for films and other audiovisual works. 2. Regarding competition and IP protection: an effective implementation of the current regulatory framework and Digital Market Act, as well as fostering of data openness and transparency. 3. Regarding consumer and user protection: the inclusion of regulatory compliance and legal skills into videogames-related educational paths, as well as inclusion of rules on gambling, lootboxes, harassment and hate speech in the context of a wider regulatory framework. 4. Regarding the development and coordination of strategies and policies: more local level support for SMEs and start-ups, as well as the implementation of a strategic approach at EU level to coordinate initiatives and opportunities (e.g. co-production). 5. Regarding support to employment, skills, training development and formal education: fostering talent attraction through awareness-raising, women representation, and cooperation between tech and art educational paths, as well as support of equality and diversity, contractual rights and guidance for talent, and enhancement of tech and connectivity. 6. Regarding videogame preservation as cultural and artistic expression: ensuring recognition of videogames as cultural creations, as well as enhancing support to indie and start-ups through EU project, initiatives and pilot projects. 7. Regarding working conditions: strengthening contractual rights for employees in the sector and support to the establishment of positive employment practices. More workshops and interviews will be soon organised by the European Video Games Society. You can contribute to our survey via the following link: https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/EUGamingSociety.For more information on the project or for future participation, please reach out to EUvideogames@ecorys.com and check out https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/value-gaming

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Workshop 11 - Policy initiatives - Summary report (.pdf)
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Workshop 11- Policy initiatives - Visual summary (.png)
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Last update

3 February 2023

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