Overview of Poland's Gaming Industry
The Polish game industry continues to experience significant growth, employing over 15,000 people, surpassing Germany in terms of workforce size. It is known for attracting global talent and has one of the highest percentages of women in the industry. As of May 2023, there are 494 active game producers and publishers in Poland, although the number of studios has plateaued after a decade of doubling.
New companies are founded each year, often replacing those that have closed, but they do not contribute to overall growth as much as in the past. The industry is moving toward consolidation, with larger teams rather than an increasing number of companies, reflecting global trends for higher-budget games.
In terms of workforce size, Poland ranks behind only the UK in Europe, and it is tied with France for second place, despite the latter’s unreliable data due to challenges in tracking industry changes. However, financial challenges remain, typical for a young industry. In 2022, the Polish gaming industry generated €1.286 billion in revenue, growing by 250% over five years. Despite this, Poland still trails behind the UK, France, Germany, Finland, and Sweden in revenue, with further growth needed to catch up with industry leaders.
A significant portion of Polish revenue comes from CD Projekt SA, the developer of The Witcher and Cyberpunk, though its share has decreased to one-third. Many smaller studios still face challenges, including underfunding, which often leads to the release of underperforming games. The industry's cyclical nature, with production cycles of two to three years, causes revenue fluctuations. Despite these challenges, investor interest continues to grow, recognizing the potential of the Polish gaming industry.