Mad Games Show 2026: Next Generation funds for the video game sector

Key data

The video game sector in Spain has a concrete opportunity for public visibility funded with European funds. The Subsecretaría has published the addendum updating the agreement signed with AEVI and DEV for the organisation of Mad Games Show 2026, the sector's flagship event in Spain. The resolution is dated 12 March 2026 and was published in the BOE on 24 March 2026 with reference BOE-A-2026-6862.

The funding comes from the Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia with Next Generation EU funds, which adds a specific control and justification framework that the signatory entities must comply with. For companies in the sector, the practical interest lies in participation in the event as a route to market access and visibility.

What does this regulation establish?

This resolution publishes the addendum that amends the original agreement signed between the Subsecretaría, AEVI and DEV for the holding of Mad Games Show 2026. An addendum is a formal amendment to an existing contract or agreement: it does not replace it, but updates certain conditions.

Based on available data, the amendment may affect the economic conditions, timelines or commitments of the parties with respect to the original agreement. The text does not publicly detail the specific amount of funding or the specific changes introduced by the addendum, beyond its connection to the Next Generation EU framework.

The fact that the funding comes from the Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia implies for the signatory entities:

• Specific obligations to justify expenditure before the competent authorities.
• Additional controls inherent to the Next Generation EU funds framework.
• Compliance with the financial management principles required by the European regulations applicable to these funds.

These obligations fall on AEVI and DEV as signatory entities, not on the companies participating in the event.

Economic and operational impact

For companies in the video game sector, the direct economic impact of this regulation is indirect: public funding covers the organisation of Mad Games Show 2026, which reduces or eliminates the cost of holding the event for the organising associations and, by extension, may facilitate more accessible participation conditions for companies in the sector.

The operational value for a developer or producer translates into:

• Access to national and international visibility at the leading sector event in Spain, with institutional backing and public funding.
• Networking opportunities with other sector players, potential investors and international buyers.
• Brand positioning at an event with media projection funded with European funds, which typically attracts additional coverage.

For AEVI and DEV, the addendum may entail adjustments to budget planning or event execution timelines, with the operational implications this carries for organising an event of this scale.

Who is affected?

• AEVI (Asociación Española de Videojuegos): signatory entity of the agreement, with direct obligations of execution and justification.
• DEV (Asociación Española de Empresas Productoras y Desarrolladoras de Videojuegos y Software de Entretenimiento): signatory entity of the agreement, with the same obligations.
• Video game development companies in Spain wishing to participate in Mad Games Show 2026 as exhibitors or participants.
• Entertainment software production companies interested in visibility in the national and international market.
• Independent (indie) studios in the sector seeking access to a flagship event with public funding.
• Investors and publishers in the digital entertainment sector operating in Spain.

Practical example

A Spanish independent video game developer looking to break into the international market can leverage Mad Games Show 2026 as a launch platform. Being funded with Next Generation EU funds through the agreement between the Subsecretaría, AEVI and DEV, the event has institutional backing that typically translates into greater media presence, international buyers and sector representatives.

For this company, participating in the event does not mean bearing the cost of organising it — which is covered by the public agreement — but only the costs specific to its participation as an exhibitor (stand, materials, travel). The addendum published on 24 March 2026 ensures that the event's funding framework remains in force and up to date, providing certainty about the holding of Mad Games Show 2026.

The immediate practical step for this company is to contact AEVI or DEV to find out the conditions and registration deadlines for participating in the event.

What should companies do now?

1. Identify whether your company belongs to the video game or entertainment software sector and whether Mad Games Show 2026 is a relevant channel for your commercial or visibility objectives.
2. Contact AEVI or DEV to obtain information on the conditions for participating in Mad Games Show 2026, registration deadlines and exhibitor requirements.
3. Review the addendum published in the BOE (reference BOE-A-2026-6862) if your company has any contractual relationship with the agreement or with the organising entities.
4. Assess participation as a marketing investment: an event funded with Next Generation EU funds and institutional backing offers visibility with publicly covered organisation costs.
5. If you are AEVI or DEV: review the changes introduced by the addendum regarding economic conditions, timelines and commitments, and adapt the operational planning of the event accordingly, complying with the justification obligations specific to Next Generation EU funds.

Official source

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, please consult a qualified professional. Source: https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2026-6862