Austria not only plays, but also develops computer and video games – and in high quality. This is the conclusion reached by a study by the Industrial Science Institute (IWI) on behalf of the Management Consulting, Accounting and IT Association (Ubit) of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce. The results of the study were presented this week.
The so-called “game development” is a “young and dynamic industry,” said study co-author Wolfgang Koller from IWI. It is predominantly characterized by small companies with above-average young skilled workers. More than 81 percent of companies have no more than nine employees, 24 companies employ ten to 48 people, four companies have 50 or more employees.
More than half of all companies are based in Vienna. Own3d Media from Steyr stands out in Upper Austria. The company offers products, services and tools for gamers who broadcast their computer games live on video platforms.
The study included 80 percent of all gaming companies in this country. During the study period, they mainly developed games for entertainment (85 percent) or educational purposes (30 percent) as well as so-called “serious games” (29 percent). These are games that have clear learning goals defined and are not just for pure entertainment. Since 2018, the production of serious games in Austria has increased. In general, computer and mobile games are mainly developed for smartphones and tablets. According to the study, AR (Augmented Reality) and VR (Virtual Reality) are responsible for 20 and 35 percent of the industry, respectively.
2260 jobs depend on it
According to the study, each job in a game development company secures more than one other job in Austria. In total, around 2,260 jobs would be created directly or indirectly by local game developers. Co-study author Koller: “The economic performance and impulse effect as well as the economic effects of the industry on the domestic economy are characterized by growth.”
Ubit chairman Alfred Harl highlighted the development of the industry, but also pointed out the challenges. He sees a need for action in the education sector, in corporate financing and in the funding system. “We need innovations, these are missing in the IT sector,” said Harl. Among other things, he called for two fixed computer science hours per week in general secondary schools.
Bild: Ubit
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Bild: Ubit
Universities and technical colleges have invested a lot in the area of game development in recent years. More than 50 percent of the programmers complete their training on the Hagenberg campus in the Mühlviertel and the technical college location in Puch near Salzburg. There are also training focuses in Klagenfurt and the federal capital Vienna.
**Interview with Wolfgang Koller, Co-Author of the Recent Gaming Industry Study in Austria**
**Editor:** Today, we’re excited to speak with Wolfgang Koller from the Industrial Science Institute, co-author of a groundbreaking study on the gaming industry in Austria. Thank you for joining us, Wolfgang!
**Wolfgang Koller:** Thank you for having me!
**Editor:** Your study highlights Austria as not just a player in the gaming industry but also as a significant developer of high-quality video games. Can you tell us a bit more about what you found?
**Wolfgang Koller:** Absolutely! Our study indicates that the game development sector is a young and dynamic industry. The landscape is largely made up of small companies, with over 81% employing fewer than nine people. It’s fascinating to see how this sector is not only thriving but also providing opportunities for a skilled and youthful workforce.
**Editor:** You mentioned that more than half of these companies are based in Vienna. Are there any standout companies or projects in the region?
**Wolfgang Koller:** Yes, Vienna is certainly a hub for game development! However, Own3d Media from Steyr is a notable mention. They provide important tools and services for gamers who broadcast their gameplay on various platforms, showcasing the versatility of the industry.
**Editor:** Your findings show a significant focus on games designed for entertainment and education—can you elaborate on that?
**Wolfgang Koller:** Of course! About 85% of the games developed are for entertainment, while 30% serve educational purposes. We also have a growing segment of “serious games,” which are focused on learning objectives rather than just pure amusement. Since 2018, the production of these serious games has seen an impressive increase.
**Editor:** The report mentions a direct correlation between game development jobs and the broader job market. Can you explain that?
**Wolfgang Koller:** Certainly! For every job created in a game development company, more than one additional job is secured elsewhere in the economy. In total, we estimate that around 2,260 jobs are directly or indirectly tied to local game developers, which speaks to the broader economic impact of this industry.
**Editor:** Alfred Harl, the Ubit chairman, pointed out some challenges alongside the industry’s growth. What are some areas that need improvement?
**Wolfgang Koller:** There are several. Mr. Harl highlighted the need for enhancements in the education sector—especially advocating for more computer science hours in schools—as well as better corporate financing and support systems for innovations in the IT field. Addressing these challenges is crucial for sustaining growth.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Wolfgang. It’s clear that Austria’s gaming industry has a bright future ahead, with plenty of potential for growth and development.
**Wolfgang Koller:** Thank you! I’m optimistic about what lies ahead for our industry.
