Increase in growth observed for the German gaming market, encompassing video games and computers - Germany's Video Game Industry Gains Momentum Once More
The German video and computer game market has shown a positive trend in the first half of 2025, with a growth of 4% and total revenue reaching approximately €4.6 billion. This reverses the decline seen in 2024, marking a significant turnaround for the industry.
Hardware Revenue Surges
The most striking development is the 17% increase in hardware revenue. This surge indicates a strong consumer demand for gaming devices during this period. While specific sales data for next-generation consoles like the Nintendo Switch 2 are not explicitly detailed, it's reasonable to assume that these new devices have contributed to this increase. The attractive game lineup associated with the Switch 2 likely boosted its sales, thereby driving the growth in hardware revenue.
Game Sales See a Slight Decline
In contrast, game sales experienced a slight decline, suggesting a shift in consumer spending towards hardware and digital services. This trend is not uncommon in a market where new hardware releases often lead to increased demand for accompanying games.
Mobile Gaming Remains Robust
Mobile gaming remains a dominant sector, having achieved record revenues of around €3 billion in 2024, primarily driven by free-to-play titles with in-app purchases. With smartphones being the most used gaming platform in Germany, this segment's growth complements the rising demand for hardware.
In summary, the German games market is experiencing a healthy and evolving phase. The growth in the hardware segment, largely attributed to the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, significantly influences the overall revenue growth. The market's robustness is further underscored by the continued dominance of mobile gaming.
It's important to note that this data is based on information from an association, and while it provides insights into the German market, it does not specify the growth trends for other countries or segments within the market.
- As smart-home devices increasingly find their way into German households, it's plausible to envision a future where these gadgets become interconnected with community-centric gaming platforms, fostering a more immersive and interactive gaming experience.
- The expanding market for community-focused technology in Germany, such as social media and virtual reality, could potentially create new opportunities for synergies between gaming and daily life, further enhancing the value proposition for community-driven gaming products and services.
