In the rapidly evolving world of video games, understanding both the legal landscape and market dynamics is crucial for multiple reasons, which include but are not limited to ensuring protection for both consumers and developers, and thriving in a competitive market. The cultural value of video games is now also being put forward, which is what initially brought the challenge of regulating this sector into the spotlight.
This workshop aimed to bring together diverse perspectives from lawyers, academics, game developers (from low budget indies to high-budget developers), gamers, industry associations, and funding agencies to explore the complexity inherent to the gaming world, which is at the intersection of creativity, technology, protection challenges and market dynamics.
Welcome and Introduction to the workshop
Opening of the workshop: Susanne Nikoltchev, Executive Director, European Audiovisual Observatory (EAO)
Introduction: Maja Cappello, Head of Department for Legal Information, EAO
Session 1 - Measuring the European video games industry
Moderation by Martin Kanzler, Deputy Head of Department for Market Information, EAO
What data can be provided by the industry?, Jari-Pekka Kaleva, Managing director, EGDF
What data can commercial data providers offer?, Piers Harding-Rolls, Research Director, Head of Games, Ampere Analysis
Challenges, gaps and limitations of existing data from a public fund’s perspective, Matthew Deboysere, Head of research, Flanders Audiovisual Fund (Vlaams Audiovisueel Fonds, VAF)
Session 2 - Regulatory challenges for the video games sector in the EU and beyond
Moderation by Sophie Valais, Deputy Head of Department for Legal Information, EAO
Video games and intellectual property, Yin Harn Lee, Senior Lecturer, University of Bristol
Protection of minors through industry measures, Dirk Bosmans, Director General, PEGI
Existing and upcoming EU rules in the areas of online safety and consumer protection affecting the video games sector, Kasia Colombani, Partner, DGA Group
Session 3 - Public support to the video games sector in Europe
Moderation by Gilles Fontaine, Head of Department for Market Information, EAO
European public funding overview, Thierry Baujard, Co-founder, Spielfabrique
Public support for video games in France (video: The French experience: Game France), Olivier Fontenay, Head of digital creation, CNC
European financial support for the video games sector, Maciej Szymanowicz, Policy officer, CNECT.I3 European Commission
Session 4 - Exploring new frontiers of the video games sector
Moderation by Maja Cappello, Head of Department for Legal Information, EAO
Accessibility and Inclusion in the Videogame Industry, Thomas Westin, Senior lecturer, Stockholm University
Educating for a video game culture, Alessandro Soriani, Coordinator of the Video game Culture Working Group, Council of Europe
Exploring New Frontiers: Metaverse, Michaela MacDonald, Senior lecturer, Queen Mary University
Wrap-up and closing words
Wrap-up: Maja Cappello, Head of Department for Legal Information, EAO
Closing words: Susanne Nikoltchev, Executive Director, EAO
