In 2024, the German games market saw a 6% decline, bringing total revenues down to €9.4 billion. The dip affected multiple areas, including game sales, hardware, and online services.
According to the German Games Industry Association (Game), which gathered data from YouGov Shopper, Nielsen IQ, and Data.ai, premium game sales dropped 17% to €921 million, compared to €1.1 billion the previous year.
Meanwhile, in-game and in-app purchases fell by 3% to €4.6 billion, though the Association emphasized that this segment remains a key revenue source for developers, helping offset rising production costs.
The hardware market also took a hit, with revenues down 10% to €2.9 billion. Console sales were hit the hardest, dropping 26% year-over-year to €807 million. However, reports pointed out that 2023 was an exceptional year, as many consumers were finally able to buy consoles that had been in short supply for years. Even with the decline, 2024’s numbers still surpassed 2022 figures.
On the positive side, online gaming services continued to grow, with revenues rising 12% to €965 million from €860 million the previous year. This category includes cloud gaming, subscription services, and online multiplayer features, which have become increasingly popular among German players.
Felix Falk, Managing Director of Game, commented on the overall market performance:
“After years of rapid growth, the German games market took a breather in 2024. This was partly due to fewer blockbuster releases and a return to normal demand for game consoles.”
He also highlighted the strong growth in online gaming services, calling it a sign of the industry’s ongoing innovation and adaptability. Looking ahead, he expects new consoles and major game releases to drive renewed market growth in the near future.
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