Central Europe
Germany: Interest in online gaming services continues strong rise
Online gaming services are becoming an ever more important pillar of the German games market. They allow video game players worldwide to compete online against one another, access cloud gaming offerings or use a large catalogue of games for a fixed monthly price. The last several years have seen significant growth not only in the variety of online gaming services, but also in players’ interest in them. In Germany, sales revenue of these services increased by 50 per cent in a single year, to 692 million euros. This value is nearly double that of 2018, when 353 million euros in sales were achieved with online gaming services. These are the numbers released today by game – the German Games Industry Association, based on data collected by the market research company GfK. Cloud gaming services showed the strongest rise in sales revenue: within just one year, this segment grew by 67 per cent, to 72 million euros. With cloud gaming services, players no longer need high-performance hardware to play titles with their full range of graphics. But because the computing takes place in the cloud, a correspondingly fast internet connection is required. Among the services in this category are GeForce Now from Nvidia, MagentaGaming from Telekom, PlayStation Now from Sony and Stadia Pro from Google. While sales revenue with online gaming services grew somewhat more slowly, at 50 per cent, this submarket is already considerably larger: 439 million euros in sales revenue were achieved in 2020 through services of this kind, such as Nintendo Switch Online, PlayStation Plus from Sony and Xbox Live Gold from Microsoft. In addition to game rebates and the saving of scores on the internet, these services also allow customers to play online via games consoles. Significantly more was also spent on subscription gaming services in 2020: this submarket grew by 44 per cent to a total value of 181 million euros. For a fixed monthly price, services like EA Play, the Xbox Game Pass from Microsoft, Ubisoft+ and the two versions for smartphone, Apple Arcade and the Google Play Pass, offer access to an extensive games library.
‘Online gaming services have developed into an important pillar of the games market within just a few years,’ says Felix Falk, Managing Director of game. ‘The number and variety of services have gone up sharply, as has demand on the part of video game players. And there are a number of different factors that promise strong continued growth in the coming years. One of these is the rising interest in cloud gaming, which is still in an early market phase. Another is the increasing success of subscription gaming services, which give players access to a large selection of titles for a fixed monthly rate.’
German games market: big jump in sales revenue in 2020
The German games market recorded a strong jump in sales revenue in the Covid-19 year 2020: total sales revenue of around 8.5 billion euros was achieved in computer and video games and associated hardware, as already reported by game. This is an increase of 32 per cent compared to the previous year. Sales of more than 3.2 billion euros were registered with games consoles, gaming PCs and the corresponding peripheral equipment – an increase of 26 per cent over 2019. The submarket for computer and video games showed even stronger growth, with purchases of games, in-game and in-app purchases, subscriptions and charges for online services climbing to 5.2 billion euros, an impressive 36 per cent rise compared to the previous year.
About the market data
The market data is based on statistics compiled by the GfK Consumer Panel. The methods used by GfK to collect data on Germany’s video games market are unique in terms of both their quality and their global use. They include an ongoing survey of 25,000 consumers who are representative of the German population as a whole regarding their video game purchasing and usage habits, as well as a retail panel. The data collection methods provide a unique insight into the German market for computer and video games.
game – the German Games Industry Association
We are the association of the German games industry. Our members include developers, publishers and many other games industry actors such as esports event organisers, educational establishments and service providers. As a joint organiser of gamescom, we are responsible for the world’s biggest event for computer and video games. We are an expert partner for media and for political and social institutions, and answer questions relating to market development, games culture and media literacy. Our mission is to make Germany the best games location.
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Betsson Group is going to participate in SiGMA Central Europe 2025, taking place in Rome, Italy, from 3–6 November. As one of the region’s most awaited iGaming conferences, SiGMA Central Europe brings together top industry leaders to explore new technologies, business opportunities and market trends shaping the future of the industry.
Betsson Group Joins the Stage at SiGMA Central Europe
Two of Betsson Group’s leaders will take the stage to discuss regulated markets, compliance and brand strategy.
4 November | 10:15–10:45 CET
Speaker: Dario Evangelista, Deputy General Counsel, Betsson Group
Panel: Licence to Launch: Winning Strategies for Entering Regulated Markets
This panel will explore key strategies for operators expanding from emerging to regulated markets, focusing on compliance, customer protection and cultural adaptation.
4 November | 13:20–13:35 CET
Speaker:Ronni Hartvig, Chief Commercial Officer, Betsson Group
Keynote: Global Power, Local Passion: Evolving Betsson’s Brand for a Regulated World
Ronni will discuss how Betsson Group has evolved its global strategy – rebranding, navigating regulation and uniting multiple brands under one identity while maintaining local relevance.
The post Betsson to Attend SiGMA Central Europe 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Palasino Group has revealed it will soon open its fourth casino operation in the Czech Republic.
The Hong Kong-listed casino operator was previously part of global real estate giant Far East Consortium – itself a partner and substantial shareholder of Australia’s Star Entertainment Group – before being spun off as a separate entity in March 2024.
In a social media update, Palasino said that the new branch, Palasino Mikulov, is scheduled to open in the coming months with construction already well underway.
The casino will, it added, feature a “modern, design-forward interior – bright, airy and welcoming” as well as a “premium gaming selection” including a wide range of slot machines and live table games such as roulette, blackjack and poker. The casino will also host a bar, buffet restaurant and social spaces
Mikulov, located close to the Austrian border, is described as a popular destination for both local and international visitors.
The group’s existing casinos include Palasino Excalibur City in South Moravia, Palasino Wullowitz in South Bohemia and Palasino Furth im Wald on the Bavarian and Czech border. It also operates five hotels.
The post Palasino Group Preparing to Open Fourth Czech Republic Casino appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Amusnet is going to participate in SiGMA Central Europe 2025, taking place from 4 to 6 November in Rome.
Strengthening its position as an all-casino provider, the company will present a comprehensive portfolio of Online Casino, Live Casino and Land-based products, complemented by exciting live experiences tied to its latest slot release, Roman Coins, which draws inspiration from the rich history and spirit of the Eternal City and offers a chance for great instant win gifts to visitors. This participation is further distinguished by the company’s triple nomination at the SiGMA Central Europe B2B Awards for Best Casino Provider, B2B Industry Leader Italy and Best Game Provider Italy, underscoring its pivotal role in defining the future of gaming.
“Italy is a key strategic market for Amusnet, and our participation at SiGMA Central Europe 2025 underscores our commitment to product excellence and local partnerships. Together with the debut of our Type S slot cabinets in Italy, we will showcase our New Bonus Platform and latest slot releases, including Roman Coins, already proving to be a standout hit. Visitors can anticipate a dynamic, high-value experience, and we look forward to connecting and exploring strategic growth opportunities for our existing and new clients,” said Polina Nedyalkova, Director at Amusnet Italy
Amusnet’s showcase will feature a powerful mix of beloved classics and new titles: 20 Pirate Bombs, 27 Eternal Hot, Coin Gobbler, Latin Heart, Stoichkov#8, Tiki Tiki Boo Boo, 20 Golden Coins. Leading the charge is Roman Coins, the first 3-pot video slot that transports players to the majestic era of the Roman Empire, where vibrant imperial symbols and a powerful soundtrack set the stage for conquest.
In the spotlight will be Amusnet’s powerful suite of engagement tools, featuring its latest New Bonus Platform, the Golden Coins Link jackpot system, and Cash Bomb – a high-impact addition to the signature Jackpot Cards. This trio of innovations is engineered to captivate players, boosting retention and personalising their journey. Simultaneously, it equips operators with versatile instruments to deploy customised promotions and optimise commercial performance.
At the expo, visitors will have the opportunity to experience Amusnet’s Type S premium slot cabinets, powered by the AmuseBox platform, which offers a carefully selected lineup of top-performing and exciting new titles.
The post Amusnet Presents Full Suite of Casino Solutions at SiGMA Central Europe 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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