An important decision was made at the most recent meeting to discuss the federal budget: Federal funding for the games industry will be increased. This was announced by Reinhard Houben, economic policy spokesperson for the FDP parliamentary group and member of the economic committee, in response to an enquiry from GamesMarkt.

Houben explained that the increase in funding was a positive signal that the current backlog of applications could be processed. At the same time, he emphasised the need to plan the future of the funding in the long term, for example by introducing tax credits to strengthen the industry.

The reaction of the game association to the decision was also positive. According to the association, the funding will be increased by an additional 33 million euros per year. It is interesting to note that the new funds will not be administered by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection as before, but will now fall under the remit of the Federal Commissioner for Culture and the Media, Claudia Roth.

Felix Falk, Managing Director of the game association, expressed his gratitude for this political signal, which supports the growth of the German games industry. However, he pointed out that the decision also raised many questions. Falk emphasised the importance of quick and effective planning of the use of the additional funds by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology and the Federal Commissioner for Culture and the Media in cooperation with the games industry. It is crucial that the framework conditions for games companies remain clear, consistent and internationally competitive.

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