A strong gaming industry isn’t just good for business — it’s good for society

The video games sector is an important, albeit often overlooked, component of the global and European cultural and creative industries (CCIs). Video games are not just a thriving industry but also a reflection of society: what is shown in games and who’s working on them matters. Inclusivity makes the sector more innovative and contributes to wellbeing and cohesion.

Within the video gaming sector, inclusivity is increasingly recognized as a key enabler of creativity and innovation. On the production side, diverse and inclusive teams have been shown to foster more innovative content and design approaches. On the user side, the way games are designed can either reinforce harmful stereotypes and behaviors or promote empathy, cooperation and social inclusion. However, the sector continues to face notable challenges in advancing inclusivity.

Here are ekip´s main findings:

Based on discussions with participants in the Policy Lab, further refinement in a Community Review Workshop, and background research, a series of recommendations were developed to foster inclusivity in the video gaming industry and tackle its challenges. Key among them are:

• Embrace the intrinsic value of inclusivity and accessibility across the sector and avoid tokenization of underrepresented or marginalized groups, acknowledging video games’ contribution to wellbeing, societal cohesion and education.
• Rethink and upgrade the role of video games in EU policy and programming, and create a coherent vision and strategy for the industrial ecosystem, innovation, technology and workforce development across EU programmes.
• Invest in education and skills, talent attraction and retention, with a focus on STEAM profiles and barriers to access such as costs for equipment, software and licenses, which prevent underrepresented groups from entering the industry.
• Support infrastructure and accessible technology in the video gaming industry, enabling the adoption of accessibility tools and standards across video gaming platforms.

Find out more!

Download the report with policy recommendations on inclusivity in video games on the ekip website.

ekip policy recommendation:

Embrace the intrinsic value of inclusivity and accessibility across the sector and avoid tokenization of underrepresented or marginalized groups, acknowledging video games’ contribution to wellbeing, societal cohesion and education.

Why should the video gaming industry make inclusivity and accessibility a core value and part of its innovation processes?

Imagine a world where everyone, regardless of background, ability or identity, can see themselves in the games they play and the teams that create them. Inclusivity isn’t just about adding a few diverse characters or hiring a token employee. It’s about building a culture where respect, representation and accessibility are woven into every pixel and line of code. When games reflect the real world, they don’t just entertain; they educate, inspire and bring people together. They can challenge stereotypes, foster empathy and even improve mental wellbeing.

But inclusivity can’t be superficial. It’s not about ticking boxes or jumping on trends. It’s about genuine change: listening to underrepresented voices, designing for accessibility from the start and celebrating stories that have been sidelined for too long. When done right, inclusivity makes games richer, more innovative and more meaningful for everyone.

ekip policy recommendation:

Rethink and upgrade the role of video games in EU policy and programming and create a coherent vision and strategy for the industrial ecosystem, innovation, technology and workforce development across EU programmes.

How can the EU give video games the policy spotlight they deserve?

Video games are more than just entertainment, they’re a cultural force, a technological powerhouse and a booming industry. Yet in EU policymaking, they’re often treated as an afterthought and not systematically included in industry and innovation policy. That needs to change.

A cohesive EU strategy for video games could unlock funding, support innovation and ensure the industry thrives on its own terms. Right now, policies are scattered and opportunities are missed. What if the EU recognized games as a unique blend of art, tech and culture? What if there were more dedicated funds and calls for studios that prioritize diversity, accessibility and bold storytelling?

This isn’t just about money. It’s about sending a message: games matter. They create jobs, push technological boundaries and connect people across borders. By giving the industry the attention it deserves, the EU can help Europe become a global leader in gaming—one that values creativity, inclusion and cutting-edge innovation.

ekip policy recommendation:

Invest in education and skills, talent attraction and retention with a focus on STEAM profiles and barriers to access such as costs for equipment, software and licenses which bar underrepresented groups from entering the industry.

What’s stopping underrepresented talent from breaking into the gaming industry, and how can we fix it?

The gaming industry is hungry for fresh ideas, but too many barriers keep brilliant minds out. High costs for software, equipment and education close doors before they even open. Women, people of color, disabled creators and those from low-income backgrounds often face additional hurdles, from stereotypes to financial strain.

Investing in education and skills isn’t just fair; it’s smart. Diverse teams create better games. STEAM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Arts, Math) programmes, scholarships and mentorships can help level the playing field. So can making tools and licenses more affordable. The goal? A pipeline of talent that looks like Europe: full of different perspectives, experiences and stories. When everyone has a chance to contribute, the whole industry wins.

ekip policy recommendation:

Support infrastructure and accessible technology in the video gaming industry, thereby enabling the adoption of accessibility tools and standards across video gaming platforms.

Why does the gaming industry need better infrastructure?

Think of infrastructure as the invisible backbone of gaming. It’s the engines that power games, the platforms that distribute them and the tools that make them accessible. Right now, Europe relies heavily on third-party services, which can be expensive, restrictive or simply not designed with inclusivity in mind.

What if Europe built its own alternatives? Open-source engines, affordable accessibility tools and platforms that prioritize fairness could transform the industry. Imagine a world where small studios aren’t priced out, where disabled players don’t need expensive workarounds and where innovation isn’t limited by who can afford the latest tech. Infrastructure also includes spaces for game studios to come together, share ideas and test the latest technology.

Better infrastructure means more creativity, more competition and more games that everyone can enjoy. It’s about making sure the future of gaming isn’t just for the few—but for all of us.