Country & Regional Reports·Updated Mar 17, 2026 by game – Verband der deutschen Games-Branche e. V.
The German games market contracted by 6% in 2024, resulting in total revenue of €9.4 billion and the first recorded decline in industry employment and active companies.
Federal funding is set to increase to €125 million annually by 2026, supported by new competitive tax incentives designed to improve Germany's international market standing.
Germany remains Europe's largest games market and the fifth largest globally, supported by a robust player base of 37.5 million people with an average age of 39.5.
Market instability in 2024 was primarily driven by a downturn in mobile revenue and console hardware sales, alongside restrictive federal funding guidelines and project application freezes.
The industry is prioritizing long-term growth through a hybrid funding model, the creation of a dedicated 'Games University,' and the AI-driven archiving of over 40,000 titles.
The *game* association, representing over 500 members, is leading professionalization efforts by integrating esports, sustainability initiatives, and structured career pathways into the national ecosystem.
The German games market contracted by 6% in 2024, resulting in total revenue of €9.4 billion and the first recorded decline in industry employment and active companies.
Federal funding is set to increase to €125 million annually by 2026, supported by new competitive tax incentives designed to improve Germany's international market standing.
Germany remains Europe's largest games market and the fifth largest globally, supported by a robust player base of 37.5 million people with an average age of 39.5.
Market instability in 2024 was primarily driven by a downturn in mobile revenue and console hardware sales, alongside restrictive federal funding guidelines and project application freezes.
The industry is prioritizing long-term growth through a hybrid funding model, the creation of a dedicated 'Games University,' and the AI-driven archiving of over 40,000 titles.
The *game* association, representing over 500 members, is leading professionalization efforts by integrating esports, sustainability initiatives, and structured career pathways into the national ecosystem.