The German games market grew once again in 2023. Although Germans bought fewer games overall, average prices have risen. Germans bought fewer games in 2023 than in 2022. Nevertheless, revenue from the sale of video games increased because the average prices for the games purchased were higher. But it is completely free to try the new Aviator Game.
Overall, the games market in Germany grew by 6 percent to just under 10 billion euros in 2023. According to the figures, the current game consoles, which were available for the first time without bottlenecks, were among the biggest growth drivers alongside in-app purchases.
Despite the growth, the industry is also concerned about the figures. “A closer look shows how challenging times currently are for games companies,” says game Managing Director Felix Falk. This is because expectations had been higher for game sales in particular in view of several high-profile releases. Companies in Germany are also feeling the effects of this, says Falk – and reiterates his call for renewed games funding, which has been on hold for almost a year. In recent months, numerous international developer studios have had to close or lay off employees. In Germany, for example, Piranha Bytes had to close, while Innogames let go of 75 employees.
The gaming market in Germany grew again in 2023. However, the industry’s figures are also a cause for concern. There were declines not only in the number of games purchased, but also in gaming PCs and laptops. While sales of gaming PCs still amounted to 660 million euros in 2022, the figure was only 547 million euros in 2023 – a decline of 17%. The market figures also show lower sales of accessories for gaming PCs, which the industry association also includes components such as graphics cards.
“2023 was the first year in a long time in which all current games consoles were readily available in stores. The huge increase in sales shows just how much pent-up demand there was among gamers,” says game Managing Director Falk. “In contrast, there was a significant drop in sales of gaming PCs. Many gamers had already invested in their PCs and laptops during the coronavirus pandemic. Many seem to feel well equipped technically for the time being.”
The figures once again show how profitable so-called live service games are – online games that are regularly updated and financed by players repeatedly spending money on additional content. In 2023, 4.75 billion euros were generated with in-game and in-app purchases, while revenue from the sale of video games only amounted to 1.1 billion euros. The major revenue drivers therefore remain popular live service games that have been on the market for some time – including “Fortnite”, “Rocket League” and “League of Legends”.
IN SHORT
The German market for online games is expected to generate revenue of around € 347.40 million by 2024.
According to the forecast, the market volume will increase to around €357.60m by 2027, which corresponds to expected annual revenue growth of 0.97% (CAGR 2024-2027).
The number of users in the German online games market is expected to reach 9.4 million in 2027, according to the forecast.
The penetration rate, i.e. the proportion of users in relation to the total population, will be 10.9% in 2024 and is expected to rise to 11.3% by 2027.
The average revenue per user (ARPU) is expected to be € 38.02.
Compared to other countries worldwide, China is expected to generate the highest revenue, namely € 6,057.00 million in 2024.
Germany is a leading market for online games with a large variety of games and an active gaming community.
