In 2024, the German gaming sector is experiencing a 6% decline, bringing its market value down to €9.4 billion
In 2024, the German video game industry saw a 6% reduction in market size, totaling €9.4 billion, with significant declines in the premium games sector by 17%, down to €921 million from the previous €1.1 billion. These statistics were released by the German Games Industry Association, utilizing information from YouGov Shopper, Nielsen IQ, and Data.ai.
Overall, game sales, including purchases within games and apps, dropped 6% to €5.5 billion. In-game and in-app purchase revenues also dipped by 3%, bringing in €4.6 billion. Despite the decrease, this area remains vital for gaming companies, aiding in balancing the financial risks linked with higher development costs.
On the hardware front, revenue fell by 10% to €2.9 billion in 2024, with console sales suffering a 26% decline, reaching €807 million. The preceding year, 2023, had unusual console sales due to previously unavailable models suddenly entering the market, resulting in higher-than-typical demand. Nevertheless, 2024 figures exceeded those from 2022.
Conversely, the segment for online gaming services saw a 12% rise, achieving €965 million compared to €860 million from the prior year.
Game managing director Felix Falk commented that "after several years of substantial growth, the German games industry took a pause in 2024 due to fewer major game releases and the normalization of console demand." He also noted the positive trajectory of online gaming services, such as cloud gaming, which highlights the industry’s ongoing dynamism and creativity. With new gaming consoles and high-profile titles on the horizon, he expects a resurgence in growth soon.