Over half of Spanish video game studios struggle to find qualified professionals

About 55 percent of Spanish video game studios are facing challenges in finding qualified professional profiles. The most difficult profiles to hire are those related to logic, game programming, and technology. The Spanish Association of Video Game and Entertainment Software Producers and Developers (DEV) recently published the tenth edition of its White Book, analyzing the industry and providing recommendations for improvement.

According to the report, Spain has 790 active studios, with a majority established in Catalonia and Madrid. The industry has seen growth, with a turnover of 1,383 million in 2022, an 8 percent increase from the previous year. Despite the growth, most studios invoice below 200,000 euros, with only 1 percent billing over 50 million.

The industry employed 9,261 people in 2022, with a concentration in Catalonia. Most studios are small, with less than ten employees, while large firms generate the most employment. Professions related to programming remain popular, with 21.7 percent of the workforce dedicated to logic and game programming.

PC remains the preferred platform for gamers, followed by mobile platforms like Android and iOS. In terms of purchasing platforms, Steam is still the most popular among players. Spanish titles are consumed mainly in Spain, with less distribution in Europe, North America, and Pacific Asia.

The industry continues to require investments ranging from 50,000 to 1.5 million euros for future projects. Most studios are self-financing, with some receiving public aid from autonomous communities and national programs. DEV recommends tax incentives for production and recruitment, increased budget allocation for public aid, and promotion of young professionals, especially women, in the industry.