Events IIDEA Launches First Playable Coaching Programme for Emerging Developers With the aim of helping up-and-coming developers make the best possible impression at First Playables, the Italian industry association IIDEA has launched a coaching programme; between late March and early June, 12 coaches will be offering free one-to-one online coaching sessions. By Stephan Steininger • 2 min read
The BCN Game Fest attracted over 17,000 visitors in 2025 | Picture BCN Game Fest Events SAGA Barcelona Game Fest Wants to Attract Over 5,000 Trade Visitors The organisers of Barcelona Game Fest, RetroBarcelona and SAGA Saló del Gaming are joining forces to establish the SAGA Barcelona Game Fest as Southern Europe’s leading gathering for the games industry. Over 20,000 visitors are expected, more than 5,000 of whom will be industry professionals. By Stephan Steininger • 2 min read
Business Game Studies Watchlist 2026 #12 The Game Studies Watchlist newsletter, curated by Prof Dr Rudolf Inderst, is published weekly on GamesMarkt. This week's topics include the unforgivable in stories, the new DiGRA DACH chapter page, the Elizabeth Magie Prize for student papers and more. By Pascal Wagner • 3 min read
Business Both Game Industry Conferences 2026 Have Opened Ticket Sales Katowice in June and Poznan in October: Both GIC in Poland have opened ticket sales now, with early bird discounts and a "buy one, get one 50% off" offer. The regular GIC in Poznan will once again take place next to Poznan Game Arena. By Pascal Wagner • 1 min read
Business The Great Age-Gate Shake-up: Is 2026 the Year Gaming Grows Up? In this week’s “Update”, Zoran Roso looks at the changes to the PEGI system and the potential implications for companies’ global marketing strategies if games are given completely different age ratings in the US compared to Europe in future. By Zoran Roso • 4 min read
Politics Regional Association Games & XR Mitteldeutschland Sets Out Its Claims for Thuringia Games & XR Mitteldeutschland has drawn up a five-point plan to encourage politicians to support the games industry in Thuringia. The main focus is on implementing measures that have long been standard practice in other German federal states. By Stephan Steininger • 3 min read
Business Nordic Game 2026 Premieres AI Track, First Talks Revealed For the first time, Nordic Game Spring 2026 will have a dedicated session track for the topic of AI in gaming. Now, the organisers have revealed the first talks and speakers from the track. By Pascal Wagner • 1 min read
Business German Games Market is Growing Despite Declining Revenues Form Game Sales Total revenue of €9.38 billion was generated in Germany in 2025 from games, gaming hardware and accessories. This represents a 4% increase on 2024. According to the game, performance varied significantly across segments. Some calculations have changed due to a change in data service provider. By Stephan Steininger • 3 min read
Business Elimu Goal and Futuregames Partner for African-European Be Ubuntu Game Jam The Be Ubuntu Game Jam by Elimu Goal and Futuregames wants to bring together teams and senior dev from Africa and Europe for united game development: The online jam will start on 14 April. Registration is open now. By Pascal Wagner • 1 min read
"Games Minister" Mehring during the Opening of the Gamerei in Munich in 2024. © Bavarian State Ministry for Digital Affairs Events Games/Bavaria: Ticket Sales For GG Bavaria Business Day at Gamerei Started Games/Bavaria has revealed further details about the GG Bavaria Business Day, which takes place the day before the German Computer Game Awards ceremony. The event will be held at the Gamerei. Tickets are available for €75. Students are eligible for a discount. By Stephan Steininger • 2 min read
Creator and Community Director Charlotte Willis @ Diva Agency © Diva Business Diva Agency Launches Creator and Community Division Following a year of growth within its PR & Comms division, Diva Agency - with offices in Bristol, London and Amsterdam - is announcing the launch of a new Creator and Community Engagement Team. This new division will support the agency's global games and entertainment clients. By Marcel Kleffmann • 2 min read
7 Days to Die © The Fun Pimps Business Behaviour Interactive Acquired The Fun Pimps Behaviour Interactive, a major Canadian games company, has acquired The Fun Pimps, a US studio and the creators of 7 Days to Die. The purchase price was not disclosed. By Marcel Kleffmann • 2 min read
