Downloads Account for 7 of 10 Games Purchased in Germany

The German games industry experienced a significant shift toward digital distribution in 2024, with downloads accounting for 68 percent of all game purchases. This represents an 8-percentage-point increase from the previous year, establishing a new record for the market. The trend is driven by the rise of digital-only releases for indie and blockbuster titles, the popularity of early-access models, and the increasing adoption of disc-less console hardware. While PC gaming is almost entirely digital at 99 percent, console gaming remains more balanced, with physical media still accounting for 56 percent of sales in that segment.

Demographic data indicates that digital adoption is highest among younger consumers, with 77 percent of players aged 20 to 29 opting for downloads. Conversely, older demographics continue to favor physical media, as evidenced by players aged 50 to 59, who purchased 47 percent of their games on physical discs in 2024. Despite the growth in digital distribution, physical media retains value for collectors and those seeking special editions.

The broader German games market faced a contraction in 2024, with total revenue from games, hardware, and online services falling 6 percent to 9.4 billion euros. While hardware and game sales saw double-digit declines, revenue from online gaming services bucked the trend, growing 12 percent to 965 million euros. These findings are based on ongoing, representative research involving 25,000 consumers, alongside retail panel data, providing a comprehensive view of the German market. The analysis highlights a maturing digital ecosystem that continues to reshape consumer purchasing habits across different platforms and age groups.