Die Games - Branche in Deutschland 2025
The study evaluates the German games industry in 2025, building on earlier reports to assess economic performance, employment, and the influence of federal funding. It surveys 343 companies—28 % of a population of 1,205—and integrates primary data with secondary sources such as gamesmap and DLR. The sector has expanded rapidly, doubling core‑market firms from 619 in 2018 to roughly 1,200 by mid‑2025 and nearly doubling the extended core market. Revenue rose from €3.06 bn in 2018 to €3.73 bn in 2024, a 22 % increase, with development‑sector sales growing 148 %. Despite this growth, the market remains highly fragmented: three‑quarters of firms employ fewer than ten people and only 19 % belong to foreign conglomerates. Export earnings dominate, accounting for 76 % of revenue, largely within the EU and North America/Asia.
Employment data reveal a clear link between company size and workforce composition. Larger firms (>€25 M revenue) employ 85 % full‑time staff, whereas micro‑enterprises rely heavily on owners and freelancers. Female representation has risen to nearly one‑third of the workforce, and international talent now constitutes 35 % of employees. Technical and creative roles dominate, while commercial positions have declined. Salaries average €62 k annually, with lead‑level pay ranging from €50–80 k and a strong correlation between company size and remuneration.
Federal funding has been pivotal, with 71 % of developers receiving or planning to receive support. In 2023, €70 million in subsidies generated €277 million of investment and €453 million of total value‑creation, yielding a multiplier of 6.5 for output and 2.5 for fiscal impact. However, high personnel costs remain a significant challenge, with 57 % of respondents rating them as “very bad.” The industry also serves as a talent magnet and innovation catalyst, with 70 % of spill‑overs stemming from game engines, gamification, and AR/VR technologies adopted across automotive, architecture, film, training, AI, and other sectors.
