The German Games Industry 2019

Key insights

6 takeaways

01
The German games market reached record revenues of 4.4 billion euros in 2019, driven by a domestic player base of 34 million people.See it on page 9
02
Revenue growth is increasingly fueled by in-game purchases and subscription models, which have successfully offset declines in hardware sales.See it on page 10
03
The federal government launched a 50-million-euro funding program to transition the country from a consumer-focused market into a hub for domestic game development.See it on page 7
04
The industry is supported by 524 companies and over 11,000 professionals, with talent pipelines fed by more than 50 educational institutions.See it on page 16
05
Germany’s esports sector is experiencing rapid maturation, with turnover projected to reach 130 million euros by 2020.See it on page 26
06
The industry is geographically concentrated in major hubs including Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, and Cologne, supported by a specialized network of marketing, legal, and technical service providers.See it on page 14

Summary

Germany stands as a premier global games market, characterized by a robust economic ecosystem and a strategic commitment to long-term growth. As of 2019, the industry serves a massive domestic audience of 34 million players, generating record revenues of 4.4 billion euros. This financial success is underpinned by a shift toward in-game purchases and subscription models, which effectively offset declines in hardware sales. To bolster international competitiveness, the federal government initiated a landmark 50-million-euro funding program, signaling a concerted effort to transition from a consumer-focused market to a powerhouse of domestic development and innovation.

The industry’s infrastructure is anchored by 524 companies and a workforce exceeding 11,000 professionals, concentrated primarily in major hubs such as Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, and Cologne. This professional landscape is supported by an extensive educational network of over 50 institutions, ensuring a steady pipeline of talent in game design, computer science, and animation. Furthermore, Germany has solidified its position as a central node for the global industry by hosting Gamescom, which continues to evolve through digital expansion and international outreach, alongside a rapidly maturing esports sector projected to reach 130 million euros in turnover by 2020.

Beyond core development and publishing, the German market benefits from a comprehensive network of specialized service providers, including marketing agencies, legal consultants, and technical specialists in sound and engine development. This diverse ecosystem, facilitated by industry associations and regional funding bodies, creates a collaborative environment that fosters both established global players and independent studios. By integrating high-level government support with a deep pool of specialized talent and a sophisticated service infrastructure, Germany maintains its status as a vital, interconnected hub for the international games industry.