Gaming Industry

Talent Pool  

1. 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.  

2. Funding and Support Programs

   Federal funding of EUR 120 million has been made available annually for video game development and prototypes. Large companies can receive up to 25 percent, SMEs up to 45 percent and young start-ups (three years or younger) up to 50 percent of costs up to a maximum of EUR 8 million per project. Funding is issued in the form of a non-repayable grant and is also available to international companies with a legal entity (e.g. branch office or GmbH company) in Germany.

3. Regional Support

   Many of the different German states have their own funding programs and cluster initiatives including, for example, Media Region NRW in North Rhine-Westphalia and Medienboard in Berlin, to support the gaming industry.  Within the individual states, funding of up to EUR 600,000 (or 50 percent of applicable costs) is available for production projects.  

4. Strong Infrastructure - Technology Infrastructure 

   Germany has an excellent digital infrastructure with fast internet connections and modern data centers.

5. Logistical Advantages

   The central location within Europe and well-developed transportation networks facilitate swift access to other European markets.

6. Cultural Acceptance and Events

   Gaming culture: Gaming has strong cultural roots in Germany. Events such as Gamescom in Cologne, the largest gaming trade fair in the world, offer excellent networking and marketing opportunities.

7. Esports 

   Germany is a central hub for esports with large events and a broad fanbase.

8. 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.

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.