D4.5- Mapping of Skills

This report presents the findings of the Gaming Clusters Across Multiple European Regions (GAME- ER) project, with a focus on Skills and Competencies. The GAME-ER project aims to understand the organisation and clustering dynamics of the video game industry in Europe, focusing on local and regional clusters outside major cities. GAME-ER brings together 15 partners from 9 countries, encompassing expertise in social sciences, humanities, policymaking, business, and innovation. This deliverable, D4.5 – Mapping of Skills presents the findings of Task 4.5 which focuses on the collection and analysis of survey data relating to the skills and competencies of each cluster of the GAME-ER project (Dundee, Turin, Brno, Fundão, Lyon and Bordeaux). The survey was designed to glean insights regarding: the skills and competencies of games developers at different levels in their career; the skills and competencies of individuals working the CCIs more broadly; the skills and competencies promoted by educators teaching in the field of video games; and the views of policy makers on skills and competencies in the video games industry. Analysis of the resulting data aimed to provide insights into the skills and competencies that are most necessary and needed in each cluster, the existing educational and professional development pathways, to identify potential gaps in skills provision, surface opportunities for cross-sectoral and/or industry-education collaboration to address skills gaps and to highlight any links between skills and competencies and policy making in each cluster. The objective of this survey activity is to complement and extend the findings from previous deliverables focusing on cluster skills characteristics and talent development pathways. Each cluster makes use of a similar survey design, providing a consistent data set that can be analysed and compared. The data resulting from the survey is both quantitative (Likert Scale Questions) and qualitative (Free text answers). Quantitative data was analysed procedurally to determine mean data from nine groupings of key video games skill sets for reporting. To ensure rigor, a consistent approach was taken across each cluster. Qualitative data is presented to add nuance and flavour to quantitative results, making use of thematic analysis in the larger data sets. Each cluster is addressed in a dedicated chapter that combines quantitative data presentation with contextual underpinning and qualitative data results, drawing from task T4.5 and where appropriate, semi-structured interviews carried out for T4.1. Data from T4.1 that has not previously been reported and that relates specifically to skills and competencies is presented where it relates to the findings of T4.5. The presentation of the skills and competencies characteristics of each cluster, alongside the skills gaps and training opportunities contributes valuable insights for talent development whilst highlighting challenges (including those presented by remote working, international competition, AI and limited funding). By combining quantitative and quantitative methods in the collection of survey data and integrating the findings with prior interview data GAME-ER continues deliver a rich and multi-faceted perspective on cluster-based innovation that is of value to practitioners, educators, policy makers and stakeholders in the creative industries.