Central Europe
6 in 10 PC and console games sold in 2021 in Germany were purchased as downloads
- Number of download purchases rises to 59 per cent
- Almost all PC games that are purchased are purchased as downloads
- Nearly two thirds of all games for video game consoles are purchased on physical media
Following a sharp increase in the first Covid-19 year 2020, the share of games purchased as downloads stabilised in 2021: the share of all PC and console games sold in Germany that were purchased as downloads increased by just one percentage point compared to the previous year, to 59 per cent. This means that roughly six in ten computer and video games were once again purchased as downloads last year. These are the figures released today by game – the German Games Industry Association, based on data collected by the market research company GfK. There were major differences in the share of downloads for different platforms and price categories, with downloaded games making up a particularly large percentage of the lower-priced titles. Approximately eight in ten games priced below 30 euros were purchased as downloads. Higher-priced titles were more likely to have been purchased on physical media, with players buying 68 per cent of all games costing over 30 euros on data carriers from online shops or bricks-and-mortar stores in 2021.
Players of PC games in particular relied on downloads, for example from portals like Origin and Steam. As a result, downloads accounted for around 93 per cent of PC game sales. Nearly two thirds (64 per cent) of all games for video game consoles such as Nintendo Switch, PlayStation and Xbox, on the other hand, were purchased on physical media.
‘Thanks to their excellent accessibility, download purchases have established themselves as the preferred choice of many players. Even so, there continue to be large differences between the various gaming platforms. Download purchases can be an attractive option for players of PC games, for example, on account of online discounts or the wide range of indie games on offer. Console fans, on the other hand, like to purchase games on physical media, whether it be to add to the collection of games on their shelves or to obtain limited-edition games boxes containing special items for fans,’ says Felix Falk, Managing Director of game.
Another year of strong growth for the German games market
Following a historic 2020 performance with 32 per cent growth, sales revenues in the German games market continued to rise significantly in 2021 with a total of approximately 9.8 billion euros in sales revenue generated by games, games hardware and fees for online gaming services – an increase of 17 per cent compared to the previous year. Sales revenue from computer and video games grew by 19 per cent to about 5.4 billion euros, due among other things to increases in in-game and in-app purchases. Sales revenue from games hardware has also grown, by 18 per cent overall to about 3.6 billion euros. Demand for games consoles and gaming PC accessories was particularly strong.
About the market data
The market data is based on statistics compiled by the GfK Consumer Panel and data.ai. 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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Central Europe
Gaming in Germany Conference returns to Berlin November 10, 2026
The Gaming in Germany Conference is set to return to Berlin on November 10, 2026, bringing together key stakeholders from across the country’s regulated online gambling sector. The event will take place at the DoubleTree by Hilton Ku’damm and is expected to once again attract a wide range of industry professionals.
Organised by Gaming in Europe, the annual conference has established itself as a central meeting point for operators, regulators, legal experts, and service providers involved in Germany’s evolving iGaming landscape.
Key Topics on the Agenda
The 2026 edition will focus on some of the most pressing issues facing the German market. A major highlight will be discussions around the evaluation of the GlüStV 2021 (State Gambling Treaty) and its impact on the regulated online gambling environment.
In addition, the conference will cover a broad range of topics, including:
- Regulatory developments and compliance
- Market growth and competitive dynamics
- Player protection and responsible gambling
- Marketing strategies in a regulated environment
- The role of eSports within the sector
These sessions are designed to provide actionable insights while fostering dialogue between industry participants and regulatory authorities.
Confirmed Speakers
Although the event is still several months away, a strong lineup of speakers has already been confirmed. These include:
- Dr. Jörg Hofmann, Senior Partner at Melchers Law
- A senior representative from the GGL (German Gambling Authority)
- Dr. Dirk Quermann, President of DOCV
- Mathias Dahms, President of DSWV
- VP Games at ZEAL Network
- Prof. Dr. Christian Piska, University of Vienna
- Dr. Nepomuk Nothelfer, University of Agder & Melchers Law
- Josh Hodgson, COO at H2 Gambling Capital
This mix of legal, regulatory, and commercial expertise ensures a well-rounded perspective on the challenges and opportunities within Germany’s regulated market.
A Key Industry Meeting Point
Willem van Oort, founder of Gaming in Germany, highlighted the importance of the event:
“After last year’s highly successful edition, we are extremely pleased to return to Berlin in 2026. Our goal is to connect the industry with regulatory and social stakeholders. This year, we expect to gain valuable insights into the evaluation of the 2021 State Gambling Treaty and its impact on the market.”
He also emphasized that the conference remains one of the best opportunities to meet key decision-makers in Germany’s iGaming sector.
Registration and Participation
Industry professionals are encouraged to save the date and secure their place early. The event also offers opportunities for speakers and sponsors to get involved and share their expertise with a targeted audience.
With its strong agenda and high-level networking opportunities, the Gaming in Germany Conference 2026 is set to be a must-attend event for anyone active in the German regulated iGaming market.
The post Gaming in Germany Conference returns to Berlin November 10, 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Central Europe
Gaming Laboratories International Named Best Testing Laboratory in the GamingTECH CEE Awards 2026
Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) has been named “Best Testing Laboratory in CEE” in the GamingTECH CEE Awards 2026. The awards were presented during the Hipther Prague Gaming & TECH Summit. GLI has won this award multiple times in a row.
“We are thrilled to be honored by the industry in this way. At GLI, we have been fully committed to the gaming industry across Central and Eastern Europe for decades, working with suppliers, regulators, and operators to provide the insights and technical expertise that help the industry move forward safely and securely. Being recognized for our efforts is humbling and gratifying,” said GLI Managing Director EMEIA James Boje.
According to organisers, the GamingTECH Awards celebrate the standout companies, teams and individuals shaping the future of gaming, compliance, payments and innovation across Central & Eastern Europe.
The post Gaming Laboratories International Named Best Testing Laboratory in the GamingTECH CEE Awards 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Austria
Wazdan strengthens European foothold with Austrian market entry via win2day
Wazdan has continued its European growth strategy by entering the Austrian iGaming market through a new partnership with win2day, the country’s only licensed online casino operator. The move represents a significant milestone for the developer as it strengthens its footprint in regulated markets across the region.
The agreement will see a selection of Wazdan’s most recognisable titles made available to Austrian players, including 9 Coins
, Hot Slot
: 777 Cash Out, and Mighty Wild
: Panther. These initial releases mark the beginning of a broader rollout strategy aimed at steadily expanding the studio’s presence on the platform.
Gradual Rollout Strategy
Following the initial launch, Wazdan plans to introduce one new title each month to the win2day portfolio. This phased approach allows the operator to continuously refresh its offering while ensuring each addition aligns with player preferences and market demand.
By focusing on quality over volume, the partnership is designed to enhance player engagement through carefully selected content that combines strong visual appeal with innovative gameplay mechanics.
Bringing Signature Features to Austria
In addition to its established titles, Wazdan will introduce Austrian players to its suite of proprietary features that have become central to its brand identity. These include Hold the Jackpot
, Cash Infinity
, Collect to Infinity
, Sticky to Infinity
, and Cash Out
.
These mechanics are designed to increase player interaction and extend gameplay sessions by adding dynamic elements and customizable experiences. As operators increasingly seek differentiated content, such features play a key role in enhancing retention and overall player satisfaction.
Partnering with a Trusted Operator
win2day is operated by Austrian Lotteries, a long-established organization with more than four decades of experience in the market. As the sole licensed online casino operator in Austria, win2day holds a unique position, combining strict regulatory compliance with a strong reputation for responsible gaming.
The collaboration brings together Wazdan’s expertise in game development with win2day’s established market presence, creating a partnership focused on delivering high-quality and secure entertainment to players.
Andrzej Hyla, Chief Commercial Officer at Wazdan, said:
“Entering the Austrian market with win2day is a significant milestone for Wazdan and a rewarding step in our continued European expansion. Partnering with a trusted, long-established operator allows us to deliver the quality user experience we are known for to a new audience.”
Georg Wawer, Managing Director of win2day, added:
“As Austria’s only licensed online gaming operator, we are committed to offering a carefully curated portfolio of high-quality games. Partnering with Wazdan allows us to combine engaging gameplay with the highest levels of safety and responsibility.”
Strengthening Regulated Market Presence
As the European iGaming landscape continues to evolve, expansion into regulated jurisdictions remains a key priority for leading developers. Wazdan’s entry into Austria highlights its commitment to sustainable growth through strategic partnerships and compliance-driven market entry.
By aligning with a trusted operator and delivering proven content alongside innovative features, Wazdan is well-positioned to establish a strong presence in the Austrian market.
The post Wazdan strengthens European foothold with Austrian market entry via win2day appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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