The European Parliament is set to open a conference which seeks to promote the cultural impact and lucrative benefits of the videogame industry.

The event, currently being organised by Dutch MEP Jules Maaten, will offer keynote speeches from a number of industry executives. Its purpose will be to express the importance of the games industry, and encourage the growth of the sector.

Streamline Studios CEO Alexander Fernandez, who is also member of the board of the European Games Developers Federation, will be offering a presentation on how videogames are created. Meanwhile, HopeLab’s Dr. Pamela Kato will explain how the game Re-Mission has helped young cancer patients understand the disease.

"Europe has to encourage the further development of creative sectors like the games industry,” said 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,” he adds.

Speaking ahead of the event, Streamline’s Fernandez got straight to the point: “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.”

The conference is scheduled to begin April 15. To attend or for more information, email here.