Barcelona has firmly established itself as a global hub for the gaming industry, promoting a thriving ecosystem of game development, innovation, and investment. The city’s creative culture, highly skilled tech talent, and international appeal make it a natural home for the sector, attracting leading global gaming studios.
A Thriving Gaming Ecosystem
Barcelona’s gaming industry is on a strong growth trajectory, with projections estimating €1 billion in turnover this year. The region is home to 40% of the world’s top video game companies, reinforcing its status as a key player in the global market.
Barcelona’s gaming sector thrives on a dynamic mix of startups, indie developers, and major studios, supported by incubators, accelerators, and government incentives. This blend of creativity, technology, and investment solidifies the city’s status as a leading hub for game development.
Key Elements of Barcelona’s Gaming Industry
Strong Foreign Investment: Barcelona’s gaming industry continues to attract significant international interest, with more than €120 million in foreign investment fueling its growth. The city’s reputation as a global gaming hub has positioned it as the number one EU region in both attracting foreign investment and number of projects in the sector.
Expanding Job Market: As the industry expands, Barcelona has become the 2nd EU region in job creation, offering opportunities for skilled professionals and promoting a dynamic talent ecosystem. This growth is backed by the city’s recognition as the best city in the EU for tech ecosystem development.
Economic Impact & Global Reach: Barcelona contributes 50% of Spain’s total gaming industry turnover, highlighting its dominance in the national market. On a European level, the city attracts 12.2% of all foreign direct investment (FDI) in video games in the EU. Top investor countries in Barcelona’s gaming industry include the USA, France, Sweden, and South Korea.
Top Gaming Companies in Barcelona
- Ubisoft – A major video game publisher known for iconic franchises, including Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Rainbow Six.
- Riot Games – Known for League of Legends and Valorant, Riot Games is a leader in competitive online gaming and esports.
- King – Headquartered in London (UK), and best known for the massive success of Candy Crush and other casual mobile games, having become a leader in the mobile gaming market.
- Scopely – A mobile gaming powerhouse with HQ in Los Angeles (USA), known for hit games like Star Trek Fleet Command, Marvel Strike Force, and Monopoly Go!
- Bandai Namco – Japanese gaming company behind franchises such as Pac-Man and Dragon Ball.
- Gameloft – A major player in mobile gaming, famous for titles including Asphalt and Modern Combat.
- Socialpoint – Known for mobile franchises such as Dragon City and Monster Legends.
Top Tier Talent and Education
Barcelona’s gaming industry thrives on its highly skilled workforce, attracting top talent from across the globe. With a growing number of gaming professionals, designers, developers, and engineers, the city has built a strong talent pool to support its expanding gaming ecosystem. Over 4,000 professionals are employed in the sector, working across AAA studios, indie developers, and mobile gaming companies.
Barcelona’s strong academic institutions also play a crucial role in this development, with the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya – Barcelona Tech (UPC), one of the most innovative universities in Europe, helping to advance technology and cultivate talent for the gaming industry. The city’s international appeal and high quality of life also make it a preferred destination for game developers seeking opportunities in one of Europe’s fastest-growing gaming hubs.
Other renowned universities that specialise in video games include Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Universitat de Barcelona, and the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya.
Events
Barcelona’s prominence in the global gaming industry is highlighted by its hosting of major events like the Mobile World Congress (MWC), ICE Barcelona and the upcoming Pocket Gamer Connects (PGC) Barcelona 2025.
Scheduled for June 3–4, 2025, PGC Barcelona is set to attract over 1,000 international games industry professionals covering various sectors, including mobile, PC, console, and AI, with insights from 100+ expert speakers. Attendees can also engage in specialized networking events and participate in showcase tables. The event has a rich history of facilitating industry growth, having hosted 49 conferences across 9 countries. The decision to host the event represents Barcelona’s status as a hub for gaming tech and innovation.
In addition to game development, Barcelona excels in key technological areas that support the industry, including web development, mobile applications, UX/UI design, CRM, and ERP solutions. With a solid foundation and continued investment, Barcelona is shaping the future of gaming, reinforcing its place as Europe’s number one destination for game development and digital innovation.
