The Most Popular Gaming Platforms in Germany

The German gaming landscape experienced notable shifts in platform preference and market performance throughout 2024. Smartphones remain the most popular gaming platform in Germany, commanding 22.9 million users. However, console gaming has reached a record high of 20.5 million players, marking a 29 percent increase since 2019. This growth is largely attributed to the technical advancements and popularity of current-generation hardware, such as the PlayStation 5 Pro and the Nintendo Switch OLED. Conversely, the PC gaming segment continues a multi-year decline, falling to 13.1 million users, while tablet usage saw a modest recovery, reaching 10.3 million players. Approximately 19 million gamers in Germany now utilize multiple platforms for their gaming activities.

Despite these shifts in user engagement, the broader German games market faced a contraction in 2024. Total revenue from games, hardware, and online services fell by 6 percent to 9.4 billion euros. This downturn was driven by a 17 percent decline in game purchases and a 10 percent drop in hardware sales. A notable exception to this trend was the online gaming services sector, which achieved a 12 percent revenue increase, totaling 965 million euros.

These findings are based on comprehensive market data compiled by the German Games Industry Association, utilizing insights from YouGov Shopper, Nielsen IQ, and data.ai. The methodology relies on an ongoing, representative survey of 25,000 consumers regarding their purchasing and usage habits, supplemented by retail panel data. This analytical approach provides a detailed overview of the German digital games market, highlighting both the evolving hardware preferences of the population and the current economic challenges facing the industry.