MEPs to host games conference for EU Parliament

Jules Maaten, a member of the European Parliament, will organise a conference for the legislative body on the region's games industry, highlighting the growing importance of the sector and calling for a programme to stimulate it further.

The conference will feature a talk by Alexander Fernandez, president and CEO of Streamline Studios, on the process of making games, and Dr. Pamela Kato on Re-Mission, a serious-game which aims to help young cancer patients learn about their disease.

"Europe has to encourage the further development of creative sectors like the games industry," said Jules Maaten. "Everybody would gain from such additional focus: the developers, the economy, but also the consumer and I'm advocating an EU programme for the stimulation of the European games industry."

"The market has changed and today, all generations are enjoying computer games," Maaten continued.

"They are also becoming more important in medical science, where they can help save lives, and for educational purposes. Therefore, Europe has to help the European games industry grow to an even higher level to participate in these major opportunities that the market is presenting."

Fernandez added: "Europe is a leader in the worldwide game development market, however as the environment changes, countries and governments need to find ways to further support those industries that can result in market leadership, additional employment and greater quality of life."

"MEP Maaten is taking the initial steps to ensure Europe is a growing factor in this thriving sector and that we remain competitive worldwide for generations to come."

The conference will be co-hosted by members of parliament Chris Davies, Magor Csibi and Yorgo Chatzimarkakis and Magor Imre Csibi.