New German Games Industry Study: 2025

Key insights

6 takeaways

01
The number of games companies in Germany grew by 81% between 2018 and 2024, rising from 524 to 948 firms.
02
Industry revenue increased by 22% between 2018 and 2024, reaching a total of 3.73 billion euros.
03
German-produced games hold a 5.5% share of the domestic market, highlighting a significant gap in local competitiveness.
04
Federal funding for the games industry demonstrates a strong ROI, with every 1 euro of funding in 2023 generating 6.50 euros in gross value added and 2.50 euros in tax and social security contributions.
05
Total industry employment grew by 20% to 14,800, while the proportion of women in the workforce increased from 25% to 30% during the 2018–2024 period.
06
Industry leaders identify tax incentives as a critical growth lever, with 87% of companies expecting them to drive development and 63% citing them as essential for improving international competitiveness.

Summary

The German games industry experienced significant expansion between 2018 and 2024, driven largely by the implementation of federal-level funding programs. A study conducted by the German Games Industry Association (game) and the consulting firm Goldmedia highlights that the number of games companies in Germany grew by 81 percent during this period, rising from 524 to 948. Total industry revenue increased by 22 percent to 3.73 billion euros, while the workforce expanded by 20 percent to 14,800 employees. Additionally, the sector saw a positive shift in workforce demographics, with the proportion of women rising from 25 to 30 percent.

Despite this growth, German-produced games maintain a modest 5.5 percent share of the domestic market. The findings suggest that while federal funding has been effective—generating approximately 6.50 euros in gross value added and 2.50 euros in taxes and social security contributions for every euro of public investment in 2023—the industry remains hindered by a lack of international competitiveness. To address this, 63 percent of surveyed companies advocate for the introduction of tax incentives to further stimulate growth and secure employment.

The research, which included an online survey of 343 games companies conducted between April and June 2025, emphasizes that a combination of existing funding and new tax incentives is essential for Germany to reach its full potential as a global games hub. The study was co-financed by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space, reflecting a strategic focus on strengthening the nation's position within the international video game ecosystem.