Central Europe

6 in 10 PC and console games sold in 2021 in Germany were purchased as downloads

Published

4 years ago

August 3, 2022

George Miller

Reading Time: 3 minutes

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.

BETANO

CT Interactive Partners with Betano.cz for Live Rollout

Published

1 day ago

February 20, 2026

Wladimir P.

ct-interactive-partners-with-betano.cz-for-live-rollout

CT Interactive has unveiled its newest partnership with Betano in the Czech Republic, representing a significant advancement in the firm’s continuous global growth plan.

As a result of this collaboration, a selection of 30 exciting titles is now offered on the Betano.cz platform, enhancing the online gaming experience for players in the area. The collection includes several of CT Interactive’s most favored games, such as Win Storm, Wild Clover, 40 Treasures, Purple Fruits, and The Big Chile.

Through this launch, CT Interactive maintains its emphasis on offering content suited to local player tastes, reinforcing its dedication to delivering high-quality entertainment. The inclusion of these titles is anticipated to improve Betano Czech Republic’s collection, providing players with a varied and engaging gaming atmosphere.

“We are thrilled to extend our reach into the Czech market, which holds significant growth potential,” said Martin Ivanov, Chief Operating Officer at CT Interactive. “Our forward-thinking approach and understanding of local player preferences will be key as we work to redefine the online gaming experience in this region. We believe this partnership will create exciting opportunities for players and set a new benchmark for the industry in the Czech Republic.”

Monika Zlateva, Chief Commercial Officer at CT Interactive, added: “Building on our long-standing and strong relationship with Kaizen Gaiming across multiple markets, this collaboration enables us to deliver a fresh content tailored to player preferences. We are confident that CT Interactive’s titles will resonate with the audience and contribute to the overall gaming experience on Betano.cz.”

The post CT Interactive Partners with Betano.cz for Live Rollout appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Bragg Gaming Group

Bragg Gaming Group Partners with StarGames

Published

2 days ago

February 19, 2026

Wladimir P.

bragg-gaming-group-partners-with-stargames

Bragg Gaming Group has strengthened its presence in the German iGaming market by partnering with StarGames to offer its popular, high-performing slots. Through this partnership, Gamomat games and other titles powered by Bragg are available on the StarGames website.

“At Bragg, we are proud that many of our most popular games have become part of the offering on StarGames – one of the best-known and licensed online arcades in Germany. This collaboration stands for trust, quality, and a shared passion: gaming experiences driven by responsibility and dedication, the Company said.

“Our Powered by Bragg program delivers Gamomat to StarGames, a leading German development studio based in Berlin, which has been creating games since 2008 that are played and appreciated around the world. More than 150 Gamomat titles are now available online, Powered by Bragg – across 35 countries and in 27 languages. From the very beginning, Gamomat has followed one guiding principle: ‘Passion for games and people.’ Gamomat games combine timeless design, strong themes, and modern game mechanics – and this combination finds its perfect home on StarGames.

“StarGames is among the leading brands in the regulated German online gaming market. Together, we offer players a legal, safe, and entertaining experience – featuring many of Gamomat’s most popular titles, including:

Ramses Book – an Egyptian classic with cult status.

Crystal Ball – magic, free spins, and excitement in multiple versions.

Sticky Diamonds – dazzling gems, free spins, and high winning potential.

La Dolce Vita – the sweet life on the reels, complete with Mediterranean flair.

“These and many other slots from Gamomat and other studios distributed by Bragg are firmly established in the StarGames portfolio and enjoy great popularity among German players. Our cooperation with StarGames is built on shared values: fairness, transparency, and responsibility. We share the vision of creating sustainable, high-quality online entertainment for German players. Through this partnership, we can make our portfolio accessible to a wide audience – in an environment that stands for quality and integrity.”

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Central Europe

NOVOMATIC Once Again Recognised as an “Austrian Leading Company”

Published

5 days ago

February 16, 2026

Wladimir P.

novomatic-once-again-recognised-as-an-“austrian-leading-company”

NOVOMATIC AG has been recognised as an “Austrian Leading Company” for 2026/2027 by the independent excellence platform Leitbetriebe Austria.

NOVOMATIC has been a certified leading company since 2013 and this prestigious status has now been confirmed once again following a comprehensive screening. The evaluation process, which takes place every two years, ensures that certified companies meet the highest quality standards. Decisive criteria include sustainable corporate goals such as innovation, growth and targeted employee development. As one of Lower Austria’s largest employers and a substantial taxpayer, the international gaming technology group makes a sustainable contribution to Austrian value creation. At the same time, NOVOMATIC is pursuing a long-term ESG strategy that combines economic performance with ecological responsibility and social sustainability.

“Long-term corporate success is based on stability, innovative strength, and a clear sense of responsibility towards employees, society, and the environment. This renewed recertification as a leading company confirms our strategic orientation and our commitment to combining economic strength with sustainable corporate management,” emphasised NOVOMATIC Executive Board Member Stefan Krenn as he received the certificate at the Group’s Lower Austrian headquarters alongside fellow Executive Board Members Ryszard Presch and Johannes Gratzl.

Monica Rintersbacher, Managing Director of Leitbetriebe Austria, also emphasised the significance of the award: “For many years, NOVOMATIC has been exemplary in the areas that define a leading company: international technological innovation on the one hand and a clear commitment to its location, employees, and society on the other. With this renewed award, the company is underscoring its role as a stable driving force for the economy and employment in Austria.”

This recertification confirms NOVOMATIC’s position as an economically reliable and responsible company both nationally and internationally.

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