According to Savills latest research, the European gaming sector is primed for revenue growth of 8% per annum over the next five years, driven by rising user growth, digital adoption, corporate investment and a competitive developer landscape. The international real estate adviser expects that as the gaming industry evolves, companies’ physical presence and requirements will grow, leading to increased take up levels of office space from the sector.
In general, gaming companies’ offices incorporate studios for development and production of new games and technologies. Global gaming companies tend to seek non-CBD locations with strong connectivity and within close proximity to talent pools, such as leading universities, says the international real estate advisor. Small studios and growing developers typically look for prime buildings in prime locations to attract talent.
Lauren Higgins, Associate Director, EMEA Occupier Services at Savills, says: “Attracting and retaining talent in the industry remains one of the largest challenges facing occupiers, with approximately 5,000 game developers currently seeking new employment opportunities across Europe. As a result, there is strong demand for high quality space in good locations that match with company culture and corporate sustainability targets.”
Rob Pearson, Director, Tenant Advisory at Savills, says: “Given the backdrop of a competitive labour market many gaming companies would rather not co-locate in office buildings. We also know that these businesses put incredible value on their intellectual property and highly value security.
“Consequently most of the demand for development studios in a large gaming company’s portfolio will be in self-contained offices.”
Marcin Sabowicz, Associate Director, Tenant Representation Office Agency at Savills, says: “A similar observation comes from the Polish market, where an important group of office tenants is made up of companies from the IT sector. Between 2018 and 2022 companies from this sector have taken a particular liking to the central hubs, mainly the City Centre West office subzone, as evidenced by the 41% share of total citywide transactions, excluding renegotiations, signed in this area. There are known cases of security with appropriate clauses in the case of large companies that safeguard team integrity and intellectual property. The opposite situation is in the case of smaller IT developers who willingly decide on flex space, due to the dynamics of changes in the size of teams depending on subcontracts.
To read the report, please visit: https://www.savills.co.uk/insight-and-opinion/research.aspx?rc=Europe&p=&t=&f=date&q=&page=1