Berlin Aims to Secure German Video Game Award Permanently

The gaming industry, known for its economic significance, is rapidly growing, with Berlin emerging as a central hub. In light of this, Berlin's Mayor, Kai Wegner, has put forth a proposal to establish the German Video Game Award as a permanent fixture in the city.

Wegner emphasized that Berlin possesses the ideal conditions for hosting such a prestigious event, stating that the city is the heart of the German gaming sector, housing the highest number of companies and experiencing the most dynamic growth.

As part of this initiative, the House of Games is set to be a focal point for the industry in Berlin. Scheduled to launch in 2026, the House of Games will accommodate both large and small gaming companies, startups, as well as cultural and educational institutions. This project aims to attract creative talent from around the globe to Berlin. The Senate Chancellery is backing the establishment of the House of Games with funding of approximately five million euros for both 2024 and 2025.

The upcoming German Video Game Award ceremony will take place this Wednesday and will feature a gala event with 600 attendees, celebrating achievements across 15 categories. This award is regarded as the most prestigious in the gaming industry and has been presented since 2009. The event has alternated locations between Munich and Berlin in recent years, with Berlin also vying to host the 2026 edition.

According to Berlin Partner, a state-owned company, the city is home to around 350 gaming companies, employing over 4,000 individuals. Collectively, these companies generated an annual revenue exceeding 400 million euros.