Gamers Are Spending More on Fee-Based Online Networks

The German games industry experienced a significant shift in consumer behavior during 2016, characterized by a sharp rise in spending on fee-based online network memberships. These services, which include platforms such as PlayStation Plus, Xbox Live Gold, and EA Access, saw sales increase by 48 percent year-over-year, growing from 77 million euros in 2015 to 114 million euros in 2016. This growth highlights a transition toward subscription-based models that offer players competitive multiplayer access, cloud storage, and rotating libraries of digital content for a monthly fee typically ranging between 4 and 10 euros.

Demographically, these services are most prevalent among younger adults, with the 20- to 29-year-old age group accounting for 34 percent of the user base. Younger gamers aged 10 to 19 and adults aged 30 to 39 represent 23 percent and 21 percent of users, respectively. While older demographics participate at lower rates, the overall trend indicates that subscription-based online connectivity is becoming a standard component of the modern gaming experience in Germany.

The broader market for digital games in Germany also reached a milestone in 2016, with total sales of software across PCs, consoles, and mobile devices surpassing two billion euros for the first time. This segment grew by 7 percent to reach 2.13 billion euros. Conversely, the hardware sector, including consoles and peripherals, experienced a 15 percent decline to 747 million euros. These findings are based on comprehensive data compiled by GfK, utilizing an ongoing consumer panel of 25,000 individuals to ensure a representative view of the German market.