Project Overview

Project
overview

GAMING CLUSTERS ACROSS MULTIPLE EUROPEAN REGIONS

GAME-ER, a 36-month project funded under the HORIZON Europe and UKRI programs, aims to research the emergence, development, and sustainability of local and regional video game clusters. This research will inform a series of policy and practical recommendations compiled into an Interactive Methodological Toolkit, specifically targeting local and national policymakers and decision-makers. The goal is to equip them with the tools to establish new video game clusters or strengthen existing ones in their regions or cities.

While existing research often focuses on non-European clusters or those in major European cities, GAME-ER will fill the knowledge gap regarding local and regional clusters, recognizing their role as drivers of innovation, growth, and cohesion.

The project will conduct a comparative analysis of six such clusters in France, the Czech Republic, Italy, Scotland, and Portugal, chosen for their varying maturity levels and unique characteristics. In addition, GAME-ER will undertake a comprehensive Europe-wide analysis of the spatial organization of the video game industry emphasizing local and regional clusters.

GAME-ER WORKPLAN

The project is structured into six Work Packages:

WP1: Project Management and Coordination
WP2: Mapping of the European video game industry clusters
WP3: Analytical grid and comparative typology of clusters
WP4: Clusters Ecosystems
WP5: Interactive Methodological Toolkit
WP6: Communication, Dissemination and Networking

GAME-ER’S OUTPUTS

Review of European innovation policies

GAME-ER will explore a comprehensive overview of policy on video game clusters, and can increase the understanding of what is currently done at policy level across European regions to foster the video game clusters and related innovation.

Spatial analysis of the clusters in relation to regions

The spatial analysis will provide new knowledge about the definition of video game clusters and their spatial organisation, as well as a novel methodology for the analysis.

Interactive Toolkit

GAME-ER will develop an intuitive online platform offering practical tools and guidance to empower policymakers and stakeholders in fostering the growth of video game clusters. This Toolkit will equip European regions with best practices,recommendations to establish new video game clusters or enhance the sustainability and competitiveness of existing ones.

Comparative Analysis

GAME-ER delves into the unique stories of six video game clusters spanning France, Czech Republic, Italy, Scotland,and Portugal. Our comparative analysis of these case studies reveals significant new insights into European video game clusters and their connection to the broader innovation ecosystem. These findings will empower a diverse range of stakeholders to expand their understanding of the various topics explored by GAME-ER.