Game industry: New government provides hopes

Large parts of the economy suffer from corona pandemic. The game industry also came to the economic downturn. However, those responsible in the game industry are optimistic about the future. The main reason for this is the new government in USA. Over half of all participants of a survey by Game, the Association of the American Games industry, is positively set. Only a few of the participants expect a deterioration in the situation. The new coalition agreement, which could fulfill some long -awaited wishes of the industry, is courageing.

Industry expects upswing

Game itself is the largest association in the games industry. Developers, publishers and many other players in the games industry are members of the association. With Gamescom, the association has an annual event that attracts numerous people. A total of 69 percent of those surveyed assume that the industry will develop positively in the coming year. Due to the optimism, 55 percent want to increase their staff over the next twelve months. 41 percent of companies surveyed expect that there will be no changes in the current situation.

Only four percent is based on a further downturn. The hopes stem in particular in the fact that the SPD, FDP and Greens’ coalition agreement stand several points that could benefit the industry. The reduction in bureaucracy, the creation and improvement of digital infrastructures, expansion and acceleration of the broadband network counts, recognition of the non -profitness of E-sports clubs, Procurement of specialist staff from abroad and the improvement of digital education. For example, start-ups and innovative ideas are to be invested and artificial intelligence is being expanded. It should also be based on future technologies where there is a sur of renewable energies.

Wishes in the past

The industry makes no secret of the fact that the concerns have not been met in the past few years. The games developers complained for years, the enormous bureaucracy effort that hinders a development of the industry. Furthermore, the association complains that the industry has not received any recognition and funding for years. Accordingly, the new coalition agreement now offers a good basis for better development in the future. The goal of the traffic lights also counts USA as a “games location”. According to the industry, USA was not competitive compared to the international market due to the numerous hurdles.

Felix Falk, Managing Director of Game, realizes that the coalition agreement shows in the right direction. According to Falk, the strengthening of the games location, the constantation of funding, charitable status for eSports clubs and an overall strong focus on digitization and reduction in bureaucracy in USA form a very good basis for a successful and international competitive games policy in the new legislative period. Falk and the Association would like the government to be implemented promptly by the government. Specific steps should be presented here.

Barely important

A look back in 2018 shows that of the 3.1 billion $ that were implemented with the sale of video games in USA, only a share of 135 million $ in which the games were developed in the Federal Republic. The large part of the local developer scene consists of small companies, which usually only have a single -digit number of employees. Large productions that work on a title for years are not possible in USA. In contrast, in Great Britain and France has been subsidized for years.