Dr. Anika Thun (Kalypso Media) on Europe as a Gaming Location

The European games market is large and varied, but how does its level of competitiveness compare with that of the USA and Asia? So, how are companies dealing with these challenges? This series of interviews features numerous executives answering all these questions. We interviewed Dr. Anika Thun, CEO of Kalypso Media Group GmbH (Germany).

GamesMarkt: What is your opinion of the current state of the European games market?

Dr. Anika Thun: "Europe remains a key global sales market, home to highly engaged and passionate audiences. However, its role as a production hub varies greatly by region. Eastern Europe is increasingly attractive, thanks to a combination of cost-efficient operating environments and exceptional talent base, while countries like France and Germany rely on sustained government funding to remain competitive. Europe also benefits from a strong talent pool and robust educational support in game development. That said, Europe still faces structural challenges such as limited access to funding, a lack of international competitiveness, and fragmentation across individual markets."

GamesMarkt: Is Europe able to compete with the other major markets, particularly North America and Asia?

Dr. Anika Thun: "Europe doesn't see the same level of investment or infrastructure as North America or Asia. Markets like China have injected vast capital into their games industries and are rapidly advancing in both development speed and technology, especially when it Comes to AI. While Europe continues to debate regulations, other regions are already executingand innovating. The U.S. does have its drawbacks - particularly the high costs of AAA production - but it still maintains a technological edge.

We're also seeing a current weakness in Western markets, with layoffs and underperforming sales. Despite that, European studios have started to make a global mark - though not yet on the same scale. To truly compete, Europe needs better digital infrastructure, harmonized regulatory frameworks, and stronger, more consistent funding models."

GamesMarkt: How would you say Kalypso Media Group is positioned in terms of the opportunities and challenges it faces in the European market?

Dr. Anika Thun: "We strongly believe in Germany as a hub for high-quality game development. "Made in Germany" still stands for reliability, quality, and technical excellence. Kalypso Media has carved out a global position with its strong focus on strategy and simulation titles - a niche that resonates with dedicated fanbases around the world. With an established global publishing network and a growing international community, we’re well-positioned to continue expanding.

Kalypso Media is focused on agility, nurturing talent, and pursuing strategic growth. One of our main challenges remains the difficult regulatory environment in Germany, which continues to hamper competitiveness on a global scale. Looking ahead, we aim to discover new opportunities and tap into emerging globalmarkets to continue scaling the Kalypso brand. Our commitment to sustainable growth, strong IPs, and international reach remains unchanged – no matter the external challenges."