The Italian games industry grew 50% year-on-year, trade body reports

The number of employees working on video games in Italy in 2022 was 50% higher than that in 2021.

The increase, as reported by Italian trade body the Italian Interactive Digital Entertainment Association (IIDEA), suggests that the Italian games industry is rapidly growing in size.

One of the main reasons for the growth in the number of game developers in Italy was a decision made by the Italian government in 2021 to introduce a tax credit for video game developers.

Companies that have their headquarters in the European Economic Area and are subject to taxation in Italy can claim a 25% tax credit towards their development costs, up to a total of €1 million.

According to the IIDEA’s report, there were over 2,400 people working on games in Italy during 2022, with 20% of companies employing between 11 and 20 staff (a 5% rise compared to 2021).

Nearly 70% of companies also said they planned to hire more staff or work with new partners over the next two years, which was 10% more than last year.

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It’s also a relatively young workforce, with only 7% of employees older than 40, and around 82% aged between 25 and 35.

Meanwhile, 24% of employees are women, up 1% compared to 2021.

The 2023 Italian Video Game Awards took place last month, with Terrorbane winning the award for Best Italian Game.

Mario + Rabbids studio Ubisoft Milan won the prize for Outstanding Italian Company, while the game’s producer Cristina Nava won the award for Outstanding Individual Contribution.