High Demand for Gaming Consoles in Germany

The German gaming market experienced significant growth in 2015, driven largely by a surge in demand for gaming consoles. The industry saw total sales revenue from stationary and portable consoles reach 825 million euros, representing a 7 percent increase over the 774 million euros recorded in 2014. This growth reflects a broader upward trend in the German computer and video game sector, which expanded by 4.5 percent to reach a total market value of 2.81 billion euros.

The reach of console gaming in Germany is substantial, with 15.6 million individuals playing on stationary consoles and 8.3 million utilizing portable devices. Industry analysts attribute this sustained popularity to a diverse software library ranging from independent titles to major blockbusters, improved online cooperative functionality, and the integration of broader entertainment services. Additionally, anticipation surrounding emerging technologies, such as virtual reality, has contributed to the positive market outlook.

Beyond hardware, the software and services segment demonstrated strong performance. Excluding console hardware, game-related revenue grew by 3.5 percent to 1.99 billion euros. Notably, the sub-segment for virtual products and extra content experienced an 18 percent increase, totaling 562 million euros, while revenue from game subscriptions rose by 5 percent to 145 million euros.

These findings are based on data compiled by the market research institute GfK. The methodology utilizes an ongoing consumer panel survey of 25,000 individuals, which is designed to be representative of the German population. This data provides a comprehensive view of digital game purchasing and usage habits across the country, serving as a primary indicator for the German Games Industry Association.