Country Reports·Updated Apr 8, 2026 by game
Germany’s video game sector generated €5.84 billion in 2024, representing a 6% year-on-year decline despite the country maintaining its position as the world's fifth-largest market.
Consumer spending has decisively shifted toward digital models, with online gaming and subscription services surging 43% to €3.26 billion, while traditional game purchases dropped by 17%.
Mobile gaming has become a primary market driver, growing 63% since 2019 to reach €3 billion in revenue, while hardware sales contracted by 10% overall, led by a 26% decline in console sales.
To combat an 87% negative perception of international competitiveness, the 2025 coalition agreement introduces a hybrid funding model featuring tax breaks and a €2,750/month 'Press Start' grant for new studios.
The government projects a €125 million annual funding increase starting in 2026, with each euro of tax credit expected to generate €4.80 in economic spill-overs.
The German gaming demographic is mature and broad, with 37.5 million players—nearly half female—averaging 39.5 years of age, and 60% of the total population engaging in gaming.
Germany’s video game sector generated €5.84 billion in 2024, representing a 6% year-on-year decline despite the country maintaining its position as the world's fifth-largest market.
Consumer spending has decisively shifted toward digital models, with online gaming and subscription services surging 43% to €3.26 billion, while traditional game purchases dropped by 17%.
Mobile gaming has become a primary market driver, growing 63% since 2019 to reach €3 billion in revenue, while hardware sales contracted by 10% overall, led by a 26% decline in console sales.
To combat an 87% negative perception of international competitiveness, the 2025 coalition agreement introduces a hybrid funding model featuring tax breaks and a €2,750/month 'Press Start' grant for new studios.
The government projects a €125 million annual funding increase starting in 2026, with each euro of tax credit expected to generate €4.80 in economic spill-overs.
The German gaming demographic is mature and broad, with 37.5 million players—nearly half female—averaging 39.5 years of age, and 60% of the total population engaging in gaming.