turnover in 2024
Your company is already operating in Germany and you would now like to export worldwide?
Key Facts
Gaming Facts & Figures
Around 12,000 people work in the gaming industry for the 948 companies in the gaming sector.
Germany is one of the biggest gaming markets in Europe. Germany’s Games Industry Association (game) reported turnover of EUR 9.4 billion in 2024.
Germany is home to major studios. Well-known German game developer studios include Crytek (“Crysis”), Piranha Bytes (“Gothic” and “Elex”) and Daedalic Entertainment (“Deponia” series) – all of whom were founded and develop games in Germany.
Opportunities
Talent Pool
Germany provides access to a large talent pool of IT, design and creative industries specialists. Many universities offer specialized games design and development study programs, ensuring a constant supply of new games talent.
Funding and Support Programs
EUR 125 mio. is provided annually to the gaming industry in the form of grants by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space.
Regional Support
May of the different federal states have their own funding programs and cluster initiatives including, for example, Mediennetzwerk.NRW in North Rhine-Westphalia, to support the gaming industry.
Strong Infrastructure - Technology infrastructure:
Germany has an excellent digital infrastructure with fast internet connections and modern data centers.
Logistical advantages
The central location within Europe and well-developed transportation networks facilitate swift access to other European markets.
Cultural Acceptance and Events
Gaming culture: Gaming has strong cultural roots in Germany. Events such as Gamescom in Cologne, the largest gaming trade fairs in the world, offer excellent networking and marketing opportunities.
- Esports: Germany is a central hub for esports with large events and a broad fanbase.
Gamer Diversity
Gaming is a mass phenomenon in Germany: 48% of gamers are female, around 60% of 6- to 69-year-olds play games, the average gamer is 39.5 years old and 79% of gamers are at least 18 years old. This gamer diversity allows many different target groups to be addressed.
Business Environment
German Government Support
Germany’s government actively supports the gaming industry through a number of instruments. One important initiative is the annual German Computer Game Awards (DCP) that offers a total prize money of EUR 800,000 to the developers of outstanding games. The award show welcomes attendees from the gaming industry, culture, society, and politics as well as hundreds of thousands watching the livestream.
The German Games Industry Assocation (game)
The German Games Industry Association (game) is an important institution that helps drive the games industry forward. Members represent the entire gaming ecosystem: from development studios and publishers to esports organizers, educational institutions and other organizations. As the co-organizers of gamescom, game is responsible for the world's largest computer and video games event. The association is a shareholder in the USK, the Digital Games Culture Foundation, the esports player foundation, devcom, and the VHG rights management organization. Game also hosts the German Computer Game Awards. As a key contact for media, politics, and society, it addresses all questions related to market development, gaming culture and media literacy.
German Entertainment Software Self-Regulation Body (USK)
The Entertainment Software Self-Regulation Body (USK) is another important part of the gaming ecosystem. The USK has been dedicated to youth protection in gaming for nearly 30 years – balancing engagement and protection from unsuitable content. As the responsible body for rating digital games in Germany, the USK provides age ratings that guide parents and educators. Since its inception in 1994, the USK has conducted over 51,000 game evaluations and continues to adapt to new regulations, including those introduced by the 2021 German Youth Protection Act.
