Join us for the inaugural webinar of the GAME-ER project, titled “Mapping the European Video Game Industry: Methodological Challenges and Evidence Early Insights from the GAME-ER Spatial Analysis.” This session offers a unique opportunity to delve into the research that’s reshaping our understanding of this dynamic sector.
Led by the research team from the University of Turin—Enrico Bertacchini, Pierpaolo Patrucco, and Cecilia Maronero—this session will present the GAME-ER project’s methodology and preliminary findings using web scraping, business registry data, and GIS tools to map regional specialization and cluster density.
WP2: Mapping of the European video game industry clusters, led by University of Turin aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of the spatial organization of European video game clusters through a three-phase, data-driven process:
Enrico Bertacchini is an economist whose research centers on cultural economics, creative industries, and public policy. At the University of Turin, he co-leads the GAME-ER project’s spatial analysis work to better understand the geography of video game development in Europe.
Pier Paolo Patrucco is an expert in regional innovation systems, industrial policy, and knowledge dynamics. He is a principal researcher in the GAME-ER project, applying economic and spatial analysis to map and interpret European video game clusters.
Cecilia Maronero is a postdoctoral researcher in cultural and creative industries, with previous expertise in intellectual property and innovation policy. She is currently contributing to the GAME-ER project at the University of Turin, examining the geography of the European video game sector.
Giorgio Fazio is Research Director of the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre (Creative PEC) and Chair of Macroeconomics at Newcastle University Business School. As an applied economist, he has published several articles in international peer-reviewed journals and edited book chapters on a range of topics, from international macroeconomics and finance to productivity and innovation, and creative industries economics. Between 2018 and 2023, he led the work on international trade, investment, and migration at the Creative PEC, and since June 2023, he has taken the role of Creative PEC Research Director. He has contributed to the economics and policy of the creative industries through research reports, discussion papers, peer-reviewed journal articles, blogs, conference presentations, panel discussions, and participation in expert committees.
Pablo de la Nuez is a veteran of the European video game industry with over 27 years of experience leading game studios, launching best-selling titles, and advising on publishing, financing, and go-to-market strategies. As co-founder of FX Interactive and shareholder in PlayGiga (acquired by Meta), he has played a key role in shaping Spain and Italy’s gaming landscape. With more than 200 published games, 15 million copies sold, and dozens of industry awards, Pablo brings a deep understanding of how regional ecosystems support game development. Today, he advises studios, VCs, and boards on strategy and business growth while actively mentoring startups and lecturing across the industry.
