Brussels, 14 June 2022
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €14 million German scheme to support the development and the production of high-quality cultural and educational video games in the Berlin-Brandenburg capital region. The measure is aimed at encouraging projects that contribute to a varied cultural landscape and that enrich the European digital audiovisual sector. The measure will be open to all interested companies developing and producing high-quality digital games with a cultural or educational character.
Under the scheme, the aid will take the form of direct grants up to €600,000 per project. The scheme will run until 31 December 2028. The Commission assessed the measure under EU State aid rules, in particular Article 107(3)(d) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which enables Member States to grant aid to promote culture and heritage conservation. The Commission found that the scheme is necessary and appropriate to facilitate the development of cultural and educational video games. Furthermore, the measure will contribute to promoting culture.
Finally, the Commission concluded that the measure is proportionate, i.e. limited to the minimum necessary, and will have a limited impact on competition and trade between Member States. On this basis, the Commission approved the scheme under EU State aid rules. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under case number SA.101124 in the State aid register on the Commission’s competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.
Source – EU Commission