Central Europe
German games market grows by 17 per cent in 2021

The German games market has followed up its historic growth spurt in 2020 with yet another year of significant growth: in 2021, approx-imately 9.8 billion euros in revenues were generated from games, charges for online services and games hardware. This is an increase of 17 per cent com-pared to the previous year. Already in 2020, the German games market was able to grow by 32 per cent, which was due in part to the growth in new video game players that resulted from the Covid-19 pandemic. These are the numbers released today by game – the German Games Industry Association, based on data collected by the market research companies GfK and data.ai. The demand for games hardware, particularly for games consoles (+23 per cent) and acces-sories for gaming PCs (+22 per cent), as well as in-game and in-app purchases (+30 per cent), was the biggest driver of growth.
According to Felix Falk, Managing Director of game: ‘Following the historic growth spurt in 2020, the German games market continued its strong perfor-mance with significant growth in 2021. This also demonstrates that the people who first took up playing during the lockdowns are still enjoying it. We are partic-ularly delighted by the strong growth in games hardware. No matter whether they are using games consoles or gaming PCs, Germany’s video game players once again invested considerable sums in their equipment to ensure that they would be able to continue enjoying their games in the best possible quality in future. In fact, demand in some cases exceeded supply, meaning that it would have been possible to increase sales revenue by even more.’
Games, games hardware and charges for online services: all three market segments posted growth once again
Sales revenue from purchases of computer and video games grew by 19 per cent to about 5.4 billion euros. So-called in-game and in-app purchases were once again the biggest driver of growth here, with sales revenue increasing by 30 per cent overall to about 4.2 billion euros. This is happening in response to a sustained trend towards free-to-play games, as well as a general increase in the length of time that individual titles are being supported with the frequent addition of new free and charged content. Sales revenue from the once-only purchase of games, on the other hand, fell significantly, by 9 per cent to about 1.1 billion eu-ros. Sales revenue through monthly subscription charges for individual games – a model that is common among online role-playing games – also fell, by 11 per cent to 145 million euros.
Sales revenue from games hardware grew by 18 per cent overall to about 3.6 billion euros. Games consoles are in particular demand: although retailers were often sold out of some models, sales revenue still managed to increase by 23 per cent to 808 million euros. Approximately 1 billion euros were generated from sales of gaming PCs – both desktops and laptops. This is an increase of 10 per cent compared to the previous year. More and more video game players are also investing in accessories to make their experience even better. Demand for graphic cards, keyboards, mice, monitors and VR headsets for gaming is espe-cially strong. Sales revenue from purchases of gaming PC accessories grew by 22 per cent to about 1.5 billion euros. Sales revenue from games console ac-cessories increased by 11 per cent to 306 million euros.
Following a huge 50 per cent leap in growth in 2020, sales revenue generated by online gaming services rose by an additional 4 per cent to 720 million euros in 2021. Gaming subscription services such as the Xbox Game Pass, EA Play and Ubisoft+ made a key contribution to this growth, with their sales revenue increas-ing by 22 per cent to 220 million euros. Cloud gaming services, on the other hand, experienced a decline of 13 per cent to 63 million euros. One of the rea-sons for this is the fact that some cloud gaming functions have been integrated into other services free of charge, meaning that no independent sales revenues are generated for these functions. Sales revenue from online gaming services also fell, by 2 million euros to 437 million euros. These are frequently offered for various games consoles and include – depending on the specific offer – free monthly games, games discounts, the ability to play online, or even cloud stor-age for saved games.
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Central Europe
WinCasino debuts in Warsaw with a new flagship venue

WinCasino network has officially launched its newest casino in the heart of Warsaw, marking a significant expansion of the Polish casino chain. Located at 40 Smolna Street, within the elegant interiors of Hotel Indigo near the De Gaulle Roundabout, the venue brings over 100 new jobs to the capital and introduces a new premium destination to Warsaw’s gaming and entertainment scene. This is the fifth WinCasino in Poland and the first casino to open in Warsaw in nearly two decades under a new license. Developed by the Wintoro company with an investment of approximately 5 million euros, the Warsaw casino is the largest and most exclusive venue in the WinCasino network.
“This is our fifth casino in Poland, but undoubtedly the most important and prestigious one. We wanted to create a space that offers top-tier gaming while also setting new standards in guest experience — from interior design to customer service. WinCasino Warsaw is part of a broader strategy to integrate casinos into the urban landscape and to redefine them as modern social and entertainment venues. It’s an approach that, until now, has been more the exception than the rule in Poland. Guests nowadays are looking for unique, relaxing, high-end experiences. Our ambition is to meet those expectations and help shape the future direction of the industry in Poland” – comments Monika Paliwoda, CEO of E-fun, owner of Wintoro.
The WinCasino brand, over the past few years, has been steadily building its presence in Poland’s major cities, offering gaming that reflects the latest trends and meets the expectations of a quality-conscious clientele. As a result, the Warsaw-based WinCasino offers the most modern and exclusive VIP zones in Poland, designed for the most demanding players. It features the highest level of luxury, privacy and personalized service with limited yet automatic access control. Key highlights include Poland’s first gold gaming table and gold slot machines modeled on those in Monte Carlo casinos and developed specifically for this venue by Polish manufacturer Promatic, what underlines the luxurious character of the entire investment. In addition, the newest WinCasino in the capital of Poland is outfitted with wooden gaming tables from the renowned Italian brand Abbiati, a supplier to some of the world’s most prestigious. The venue also offers state-of-the-art slot machines, including Poland’s largest selection of VIP machines — featuring oversized monitors and surround-sound seats for a truly immersive gaming experience. WinCasino at Hotel Indigo in Warsaw also stands out with the largest slot machines in the country, each featuring dual 65-inch screens.
“Warsaw is a key market for us — demanding, yet incredibly inspiring. Opening the casino on Smolna Street is the result of long-term planning and a commitment to quality. We want everyone who visits our casino to feel like they’re in a place unlike any other — and to want to come back” – says Mariusz Grzejszczak, CEO of Wintoro.
WinCasino Warsaw operates under a license granted by the Polish Minister of Finance, following a competitive tender process and compliance with stringent regulatory standards. It
stands out for its atmosphere and carefully curated interior design, where modern aesthetics blend seamlessly with elegance and comfort. Clearly designated smoking and non-smoking areas, optimized acoustics, subtle lighting, refined materials, and spacious interiors create an environment friendly both to gaming and socializing. The overall concept draws inspiration from the standards of London, Singapore, and Las Vegas. One of key assets of the new casino is its location, right in the heart of the city, surrounded by renowned restaurants, clubs, and hotels. The casino is open 24/7, providing flexibility and access at any time of day or night. During their stay guests can enjoy a spacious bar offering a wide range of cocktails and premium beverages. A part of the infrastructure of WinCasino Warsaw is also parking for guests – which is a rarity in the city center locations in Warsaw.
The post WinCasino debuts in Warsaw with a new flagship venue appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Central Europe
Playzia Partners with Erwin to Accelerate Growth in German iGaming Market

Playzia, a rapidly growing force in the iGaming industry, has signed a significant partnership with Staatliche Toto-Lotto GmbH Baden-Württemberg’s slot brand erwin. This alliance will see Playzia’s cutting-edge games become available on another trusted platform, marking a major step forward in Playzia’s German expansion strategy.
“We’re thrilled to partner with erwin to introduce our extensive library of games to a broader audience. This market is strategically important to us, and through this collaboration, we aim to bring our signature game innovations and top-tier content to players who crave a high-quality, dynamic gaming experience,” said Vlad Modorcea, Chief Product Officer at Playzia.
Barbie Nerz, Head of Online Games at Staatliche Toto-Lotto GmbH Baden-Württemberg, said: “We’re happy to announce our new partnership with Playzia – their fresh and engaging games are a fantastic addition to our portfolio! This collaboration not only broadens our current offering but also ensures that our game selection stays dynamic and exciting going forward.
“With our dedicated slot vertical ‘erwin’, we provide iGaming fans with a safe, legal, and high-quality gaming experience. As player preferences and market trends continue to evolve, so does our portfolio – and we’re always looking ahead. That’s why we’re especially looking forward to welcoming popular titles like Red Envelope Riches, Billionaire Rhino, Billionaire Wolf, and Caishen’s Coins, alongside innovative new additions like Zeus’s Thunderstrike, T-Rex Treasure Hunt Megaways, Dwarves Treasure Race, and Knights the Siege to the ‘erwin’ platform soon.”
This latest agreement adds to a growing list of strategic partnerships Playzia has secured in the German market, as the studio deepens its commitment to localised growth and regulatory compliance. These key deals are also part of a calculated effort to build a strong, localised presence and align closely with regional player preferences.
Beyond Germany, Playzia continues to expand across other major regulated territories, including the UK, Greece, Brazil and Romania – with certifications underway for entry into the Netherlands, Sweden and Switzerland.
The post Playzia Partners with Erwin to Accelerate Growth in German iGaming Market appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Central Europe
Spielbanken Bayern and Stakelogic Launch brand new Live-Casino Offering

Pioneering the next chapter of regulated iGaming in Germany, Spielbanken Bayern and leading live-casino specialist Stakelogic have gone live with brand-new online live casino solutions.
On 28 May 2025, spielbanken-bayern-online.de rolled out a set of Automatic Roulettes. The launch marks the inaugural step in a phased roadmap that will soon see more Roulette and Blackjack.
Bavaria became Germany’s first state to introduce online live-casino games in April 2024. Since beginning 2025, Spielbanken Bayern has worked hand-in-hand with the Bavarian regulator and Stakelogic to craft a best-in-class solution that combines strict compliance with an engaging, secure, and reputable gaming offering.
Stephan van den Oetelaar, CEO at Stakelogic, added: “It is both an honour and a privilege to develop further with Spielbanken Bayern on Germany’s first legal online casino. The timeline was ambitious, but our combined teams delivered. In the coming months, we will continue to optimise and enrich the portfolio with additional premium content.”
This landmark collaboration cements Spielbanken Bayern’s position as Germany’s online live-casino trail-blazer while underscoring Stakelogic’s reputation for marrying regulatory rigour with next-generation player experiences.
The post Spielbanken Bayern and Stakelogic Launch brand new Live-Casino Offering appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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