This post compiles data from the third edition of the White Paper published by DEV, the Spanish Video Game Industry Development Association. The report provides a comprehensive snapshot of how the industry evolved between 2013 and 2015.
DEV was founded in 2008 with the mission of highlighting the importance of video game development in Spain. They advocated before public institutions and authorities, emphasizing the sector’s impact on the digital economy and its role as a generator of young, qualified employment. As a result, DEV achieved major milestones. These include the first-ever government grants from the Ministry of Industry for video game development and new ENISA financing lines.
Key Findings from the White Paper
Among its many initiatives, DEV also produced the White Paper on the Spanish video game industry. This document gathers data from Spanish studios and presents the state of the sector. Furthermore, it compares Spain’s position with other European countries and global markets. The findings reveal both remarkable progress and significant challenges for the industry.
The data shows steady growth in revenue across the three years analyzed. Spanish studios increased their turnover considerably, driven by mobile gaming and international expansion. However, the industry still lagged behind larger European markets like the United Kingdom, France, and Germany in terms of total output.
Employment and Studio Growth
Employment in the sector grew significantly during this period. The number of professionals working in Spanish studios rose year over year. Additionally, the number of active studios increased as new companies entered the market. Most of these were small indie teams, although several mid-sized studios also emerged.
Mobile platforms dominated the landscape, with the majority of studios developing for iOS and Android. Console development remained limited but showed signs of growth. Meanwhile, PC gaming maintained a stable presence as a primary platform for many developers.
International Positioning and Future Outlook
Spain positioned itself as an emerging player in the European video game market. The combination of talent, creativity, and lower operating costs made it an attractive location for development. However, challenges remained. Access to funding, limited publisher presence, and brain drain to other countries were persistent issues that the industry needed to address.
In summary, the Spanish video game industry showed remarkable growth between 2013 and 2015. The White Paper from DEV provides essential data for understanding where the sector stood and where it was heading. For anyone interested in the evolution of game development in Spain, this report remains a valuable reference point.