GAME-ER has advanced steadily during the first reporting period, with substantial progress on the research work packages and the first building blocks for the comparative analysis and methodological toolkit
SO1. Research – Comparative study of local and regional video game clusters
-Extensive data collection was conducted across the six selected clusters
-149 semi-structured interviews with local actors
-285 documents mapped and analysed
-25 interviews and 86 documents collected for historical cluster development
-Spatial mapping of the European video game industry was advanced through a data-driven methodology combining web-scraping, business registers, and GIS
-Over 9,500 companies identified , of which 3,500 are active (2020–2024)
-More than 4,000 companies georeferenced and included in preliminary European maps
-A common analytical grid for cross-case comparison was designed and validated, providing a robust framework for harmonising qualitative and quantitative findings
-Deliverables submitted/prepared: D2.1 D3.1 D4.1 (prepared)
SO2. Knowledge – Understanding social, cultural, educational and political factors
-Preliminary insights show that regional clusters innovate differently from capital-city hubs, often compensating limited resources with strong community ties, cross-sector collaborations, and talent embedded in local ecosystems
-Archival and historical research revealed critical founding conditions of the clusters, such as public sector support, early university involvement, or the catalytic role of anchor companies
-Early thematic analysis has identified recurrent challenges across clusters, such as talent retention, gender imbalances, and access to external investment
-Deliverables submitted: D1.5
-Bibliographic datasets deposited on Zenodo
SO3. Policy – Towards evidence-based policy recommendations
-A comprehensive review of 42 existing policy documents was carried out, forming the foundation for new policy guidance
-Early interactions with policymakers through cluster visits and steering sessions ensured alignment with policy needs
-Preparations for validation activities have begun, ensuring that recommendations will be tested and grounded in practice during the next phase
-Deliverables submitted:D5.1
SO4. Practice – Developing practical recommendations and methodologies
-Preliminary work for the Interactive Methodological Toolkit has been completed, including software specification and initial wireframes
-Pilot activities were prepared in Turin and Fundão , testing recommendations related to entrepreneurship, skills, and ecosystem building
-Early evidence suggests that methodological tools can be replicated across different regional contexts, ensuring transferability
Milestones achieved: MS1, MS2 , MS3, MS9 MS4 rescheduled to M16 with approval
