FIFA 17, Battlefield 1 and Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End Were the Most Successful PC and Console Games of 2016

Key insights

6 takeaways

01
In 2016, 'FIFA 17', 'Battlefield 1', and 'Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End' were the most successful PC and console games in Germany, each earning a BIU special award for selling over 500,000 units on a single platform.
02
'FIFA 17' was the top performer, surpassing one million units sold across multiple platforms, while both it and 'Battlefield 1' received the BIU Multiplatform Award for exceeding 500,000 units on multiple platforms.
03
The BIU also recognized 'Star Wars: Battlefront', 'Call of Duty: Black Ops III', and 'FIFA 16' with 2016 Multiplatform Awards for selling over 500,000 units across different platforms.
04
Market analysis of the top 20 PC and console games in Germany indicates a strong consumer preference for titles featuring comprehensive multiplayer modes or open-world environments.
05
Over 18 million Germans, representing 27% of internet users aged 16 and older, engage in multiplayer gaming.
06
Among German internet users who play multiplayer games, 8.4 million prefer online play, 4.7 million prefer local competition, and 4.9 million enjoy both equally.

Summary

The German Games Industry Association (BIU) identified FIFA 17, Battlefield 1, and Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End as the most successful PC and console games in Germany during 2016. The analysis highlights a clear market preference for titles featuring expansive open-world environments and robust multiplayer functionality. These three titles were recognized with special sales awards for exceeding 500,000 units sold on a single platform, with FIFA 17 notably surpassing one million units.

The findings are supported by sales data provided by GfK Entertainment, which tracks digital and physical retail performance across the German market. Additionally, the association utilized a representative survey conducted by YouGov in July 2016, which sampled 2,023 German internet users aged 16 and older. This survey data revealed that over 18 million Germans engage in multiplayer gaming, with approximately 21 percent of the online population dedicating at least half of their total playtime to multiplayer experiences.

The report concludes that 2016 was a significant year for the industry, characterized by the success of both established blockbuster sequels and new intellectual properties like Overwatch and Tom Clancy’s: The Division. By analyzing these trends, the association underscores the evolving habits of German gamers, who increasingly prioritize social connectivity and player agency within digital worlds. The BIU continues to monitor these performance metrics to provide insights into the broader German games market, which represents a significant portion of the European interactive entertainment landscape.