Key insights
7 slides
Market growth
German games revenue increased by 15% in 2017.
The German games market is experiencing significant growth. Revenue rose by 15% in 2017 compared to the previous year.
Page 4 of the report15%
Revenue increase in 2017 compared to the previous year
- 2016 revenue
- 3689 million Euros
- estimated 2021 revenue
- 5295 million Euros
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- 01The German games market is experiencing significant growth, with revenue increasing by 15% in 2017 compared to the previous year, and projections showing continued growth from 3689 million Euros in 2016 to an estimated 5295 million Euros in 2021.See it on page 4
- 02Digital sales and microtransactions are booming in the German games market, driven by mobile games and the free-to-play model, while sales of physical media are stagnating or declining.See it on page 4
- 03The average German gamer is 36.1 years old, with the largest player group being over 50, and women constitute 47% of players, indicating a broad and diverse audience for games.See it on page 4
- 04Game development is a highly interdisciplinary and collaborative process, typically involving teams of dozens or even hundreds of specialists (e.g., programmers, graphic designers, game designers, sound designers) working together, rather than individual creators.See it on page 8
- 05Key roles in game development include Game Designers (who conceive game ideas and systems), Programmers (who develop core systems), Graphic/Animation Artists (who create game worlds), Audio Designers (who create soundscapes), and Producers (who manage project completion, budget, and quality).See it on page 8
- 06Essential skills for game development professionals include strong communication and teamwork (especially in English), creativity, analytical and logical thinking, and a passion for games.See it on page 9
- 07The games industry is seen as a key technology for digitalization, with roles like Technical Artists bridging programming and graphic design, and 'gamification' concepts being adopted by other industries.See it on page 8
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Summary
The German games industry has evolved into a significant economic pillar and a primary driver of technological innovation, transcending its traditional role as a mere entertainment sector. With approximately 11,705 direct employees, the industry serves as a critical intersection of culture and high-end technology, focusing heavily on digital distribution, eSports, and virtual reality. Despite this robust growth, the sector faces a persistent shortage of skilled professionals, necessitating a strategic focus on talent development to maintain international competitiveness.
Game development functions as a highly complex, interdisciplinary process that demands a synthesis of design, programming, graphic arts, storytelling, and production. Success in this field requires more than technical proficiency; it necessitates a blend of creative vision, strong communication skills, and the ability to thrive in decentralized, collaborative environments. Beyond core development roles, the industry encompasses a wide array of essential functions, including community management, localization, marketing, and administration. This professional landscape increasingly values problem-solving capabilities and a commitment to continuous learning over static skill sets.
While the industry has transitioned from a field defined by self-taught pioneers to a structured professional sector, challenges regarding workforce diversity remain. Specifically, there is a recognized need to increase the representation of women, particularly in technical roles, through better mentorship and targeted support. To bridge the gap between education and employment, resources such as the gamecampus platform provide structured pathways for aspiring professionals. Ultimately, securing a career in this dynamic field requires a combination of proactive networking, a robust personal portfolio, and a deep understanding of the evolving educational and vocational landscape across Germany.
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