Dorothee Bär's ministry is working on a concept for a tax-based subsidy model for the games industry, as the minister confirmed during a press conference to present the new games industry study. Even when asked, she did not want to commit to a timetable.
As expected, the topic of tax-based funding models was the elephant in the room at the press conference presenting the latest games industry study, which took place today at the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space. The study, conducted by Goldmedia, covers the period from the start of federal funding until mid-2025 and can therefore only show the effects achieved with the implemented fund model. In addition, several funding stops will occur during this period, which will have a negative impact on the effects. The fact that the study nevertheless shows that the funding is effective, as game boss Felix Falk said, is to be viewed as positive. The key findings of the study can be found here. Experts and the association agree that a tax-based funding model could have an even greater positive effect.
It is therefore not surprising that the topic was addressed by Federal Minister Dorothee Bär, who had to answer several questions on the subject immediately after the press conference. Bär confirmed that her department is working on a corresponding concept. And with a view to the upcoming appointment of the head of the new games department, she also expressed hope that the issue will gain momentum. However, she also made it clear that such a model does not fall within her sole responsibility. Without saying so, Bär made it clear that the industry cannot expect any miracles in terms of timing.
At the same time, Bär made it clear that the current coalition agreement provides for such a model and that nothing has changed in this regard. After a specific question about the timing, Bär said that the issues in the coalition agreement will generally be implemented within the term of the agreement and that the current agreement still has three years to run. ‘But I have much more ambitious goals,’ Bär said, making it clear how important the issue is to her.
Especially since the study that has now been presented gives her and all proponents of a tax-based funding model a boost. Part of the study is also an international comparison of funding systems, which clearly shows that most successful games locations rely on a combination of tax-based and fund-based funding models.
The only exceptions are Poland, where there is only a tax-based model, and Sweden, which does not provide any financial support to its games industry for the realisation of projects. However, the Swedish Parliament has just commissioned a report to find out how the Swedish games industry could be better supported. The report specifically mentioned the support provided in Germany.
