Central Europe
Germany: Game downloads surge in the Covid-19 year
- 6 in 10 PC and console games sold in 2020 were purchased as downloads
- Share of sales revenue from game downloads rises to over 40 per cent
- Great differences between PC and console games
- German games market grows to 8.5 billion euros in 2020
The trend of purchasing computer and video games by download accelerated significantly in the Covid-19 year 2020. Alongside the mail-order trade, the only option open to many games fans during periods of closed retail businesses was purchase via download to PCs and games consoles. This spurred a jump in the download share of sales in PC and console games from 45 to 58 per cent within 12 months – meaning that 6 in 10 games purchases in 2020 were made via download. The download share of sales revenue is somewhat lower: downloads account for about 4 in 10 euros in sales made in Germany in 2020 with PC and console games, up from 33 per cent in 2019. As a general rule, the cheaper the game is, the greater the share of download purchases. 8 in 10 computer and video games costing up to 30 euros are purchased as downloads. These are the numbers released today by game – the German Games Industry Association, based on data collected by the market research company GfK. There are big differences between PC and games consoles. For PC games, the download share of sales is 94 per cent. For games consoles like PlayStation, Switch and Xbox, on the other hand, only about 1 in 3 games (35 per cent) is purchased via download. However, this represents a considerable increase in comparison to 2019, when the share was 24 per cent.
‘The purchase of games via download has taken longer to establish itself in Germany than in other countries,’ says Felix Falk, Managing Director of game. ‘Many players continue to buy games on data storage devices due to internet connections with too little bandwidth or the numerous businesses with games departments – from electronics retailers to drugstores. In the Covid-19 year 2020, there was a tremendous surge in the share of download games. Not least, the shop closures during the shutdowns contributed strongly to this development.’
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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CT Interactive has expanded its footprint in the regulated Slovak market with the launch of a new portfolio of high-quality games on Tipos.sk. The portfolio features a selection of popular slots, including 20 Mega Star, 50 Treasures, 100 x Fresh, Dancing Dragons, Lucky 3 Penguins, and more, with five titles offering the innovative Buy Bonus feature to enhance gameplay strategy and player choice.
The launch will be accompanied by an exclusive tournament with attractive prize pools, providing players with an engaging experience while boosting traffic and visibility on Tipos.sk.
“Our newly certified portfolio delivers a fresh and dynamic gaming experience tailored for the Slovak audience,” said Ivan Zoumpalov, Regional Manager for the Czech Republic and Slovak Republic.
Martin Ivanov, Chief Operating Officer at CT Interactive, added: “The expansion of our content offering on Tipos.sk represents a major step in our broader international growth strategy. We are pleased to deliver a compelling and diverse array of content to our esteemed partner, while reaffirming our long-term commitment to the Slovak market.”
This expansion underscores CT Interactive’s dedication to innovation, regulatory compliance, and delivering premium gaming content to players across global markets.
The post CT Interactive strengthens presence in Slovakia with launch of new games on Tipos.sk appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
2025 Gaming in Germany Conference
Evaluation of State Gambling Treaty key topic at 2025 Gaming in Germany Conference
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In two weeks, operators, industry analysts, and legal experts will once again gather in Berlin to attend the 2025 Gaming in Germany Conference. This year’s event will take place on Tuesday, November 11.
Key topic: Evaluation of 2021 State Gambling Treaty
The 2021 State Gambling Treaty (GlüStV 2021) is currently being evaluated by the German federal states, with a final report expected next year.
The outcome of this evaluation will determine to what extent Germany’s iGaming regulatory framework will be adjusted to reflect market realities. Already, it appears that certain things the industry has been clamoring for – e.g., easier game certification – will become a reality.
While the industry will certainly not get everything it wants, the direction of regulatory development could be toward improvement.
Willem van Oort, Founder of Gaming in Germany commented: “This year’s Gaming in Germany Conference is where important discussions will take place on which regulatory goals to pursue. Major stakeholders, including operators, trade associations, and the regulator, are all coming. I think this underscores the importance of our event. Moreover, it is the only conference aimed at the German market where both domestic and international stakeholders show up to connect and share insights and information. If you want to help shape the conversation and meet key stakeholders, Berlin is the place to be.”
Breakout program
In addition to high-level regulatory and policy-related information, the 2025 Gaming in Germany Conference also offers highly practical information on topics such as data compliance, game certification, RG, live casino, eSports, and much more. Breakout sessions will be hosted by trained experts and are highly interactive.
Agenda & registration
The 2025 Gaming in Germany Conference takes place at the DoubleTree Hilton Ku’damm in Berlin – just 100 meters from the magnificent Kurfürstendamm.
The event’s agenda – including breakout program – is available here.
Registration for the 2025 Gaming in Germany Conference is now open.
The post Evaluation of State Gambling Treaty key topic at 2025 Gaming in Germany Conference appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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SiGMA Europe is one of the most significant events in the iGaming industry. This year, the event is taking place in Rome and will bring together over 30,000 attendees, 1200 sponsors and feature four stages with 550+ top speakers.
On November 05, in partnership with MelBet Partners & Affiliates, former MMA legend and World Champion Kamaru Usman will join the event as a special guest. At booth 5067G attendees of SiGMA Central Europe have the chance to take photos, hear insights and what it takes to rise to the top on a global stage.
During the conference, there will be two activities available for guests at MelBet’s booth:
Punch Challenge. Anyone can come to the booth on November 4 and test their punching power. The person with the strongest punch will have the honour of competing against Kamaru Usman himself.
Want to get exclusive merchandise and take a photo with the MelBet Partners & Affiliates championship belt? Visit the booth. Follow MelBet’s official Instagram account and take a picture with the belt. Those who post a story with the championship belt and tag MelBet will automatically be entered into a drawing for exclusive UFC-themed merchandise.
There will also be a private party, Triumph of the Gladiators, exclusively for the partners and representatives of MelBet Partners & Affiliates, which Kamaru himself will attend. This evening will be an epic event, where history and modernity merge into one.
The post MelBet Partners to Bring UFC Champion Kamaru Usman to SiGMA Central Europe appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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