STRATEGIES

STRATEGIES

Powering a greener future for Europe’s game industry

Sustainable TRAnsiTion for Europe’s Game IndustrIES (STRATEGIES, 2024-2028) is a Horizon Europe funded project that supports Europe’s game industries in realising their potential as drivers of sustainable innovation, contributing to achieving the goals of the European Green Deal and delivering an economy that works for the people.

About the STRATEGIES project

The game industries in Europe — both digital and analogue — are powerful engines of creativity, culture, and innovation. With over 4,900 video game studios employing 98,000 people and generating €23.3 billion annually, plus a growing board game sector expected to hit $4 billion in revenue, these industries are major players. Yet, more than 90% of these companies are micro or small enterprises, facing unique challenges as they adapt to climate goals.

STRATEGIES is a groundbreaking, four-year research project designed to help game developers lead Europe’s creative and cultural industries in the shift to sustainability. From cutting emissions and redesigning production to embedding climate goals in the games themselves, STRATEGIES supports game makers as pioneers in green innovation.

We aim to help games not only reduce their environmental impact, but actively shape a fairer, greener future.

Our Vision

We believe that the tools of game design (creativity, storytelling, systems-thinking) are powerful assets in the fight against climate change. STRATEGIES empowers game developers to:

  • Reduce the environmental impact of their work
  • Access carbon literacy and measurement tools
  • Design games that support sustainable behaviours
  • Influence policy, funding, and business models in favour of climate action

What We’re Doing

🧠 Evidence

We’re gathering new data on working practices, environmental impacts, and business models across Europe’s game sectors.

🏛️ Policy

We’re developing practical, evidence-based policy recommendations that help funders, governments, and industry bodies support a green transition.

🧰 Tools

We’re creating carbon calculators, game design toolkits, and training resources to support a low-carbon, climate-conscious approach to game making.

    VR & AI

We’re providing an overview of key discussions on the environmental sustainability aspects of VR and AI in the gaming industry.

The Impact

STRATEGIES will:

  • Create Europe’s first carbon accounting tools for games
  • Train developers in carbon literacy
  • Launch eco-game design toolkits and a ‘sustainability seal of approval’
  • Influence funding and policy across Europe’s creative sectors
  • Help games reach citizens with climate messages that stick

Project website: https://www.strategieshorizon.eu/

LinkedIn: https://nl.linkedin.com/company/strategies-horizon

Project Website