Central Europe
German Games Market Grows by 4% in the First Six Months of 2023
The German games market has returned to growth during the first six months of 2023. In total, online gaming services, games and gaming hardware generated approximately 4.7 billion euros in sales revenue – an increase of 4% compared to the same period in the previous year. This was announced today by game – The German Games Industry Association at the gamescom press conference.
The data is based on surveys carried out by the market research companies GfK and Data.ai. Sales revenue from purchases of games for PCs, game consoles and mobile devices grew by 4%, to about 2.7 billion euros. Gaming hardware – a category that includes gaming PCs, game consoles and the corresponding accessories – accounted for revenues of roughly 1.6 billion euros. This equates to a year-on-year increase of 6% compared to the first six months of 2022. One of the growth drivers of the games market in recent years – online gaming services – weakened slightly during the first six months, with this submarket declining by a little less than 1%, to 413 million euros.
“After the German games market managed to stabilise at a high level in 2022, it returned to growth in the first six months of 2023. The market posted a 4 per cent increase, a significant figure in light of the economic uncertainty that has marked recent months. The many outstanding blockbuster games during the first six months played a particularly large role in these results. Other notable factors were continued strong demand for game consoles, which can now finally be better satisfied,” said Felix Falk, Managing Director of game – The German Games Industry Association and co-organiser of gamescom.
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The SYNOT Group will continue its cooperation with the BERANI ZLÍN hockey club as its main partner in the upcoming season. This builds on last year’s partnership, which became an important driver for the further development of hockey in Zlín.
The continued support from SYNOT is a clear signal that investment in sports remains one of the company’s priorities. Ice hockey is perceived as an essential part of community life, bringing joy to fans of all generations and inspiring young athletes to spend their free time actively.
The partnership will once again be reflected in the visibility of the SYNOT brand – from players’ jerseys to the ice rink and other club materials.
As one of the traditional names in Czech sports, the Zlín hockey club holds a special place in the country’s sporting landscape.
The post SYNOT Once Again the Main Partner of the Berani Zlín Hockey Team appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Central Europe
GGL Warns: Illegal Online Gambling Puts Young People in Particular at High Risk of Addiction
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Illegal gambling providers target their online offerings specifically at German players. However, without age controls, stake and deposit limits or blocking systems, the risk of gambling addiction can increase – especially among young people. On the occasion of the annual Gambling Addiction Action Day on September 24, 2025, the Joint Gambling Authority of the German States (GGL) issued a strong warning against such illegal offerings.
“Anyone who plays illegally plays without protection. Illegal platforms do not offer effective player protection mechanisms. Anyone who plays there runs a significant risk of developing a gambling addiction,” Ronald Benter, CEO of GGL, said.
Preventing gambling addiction is an important part of the GGL’s work. The authority focuses on three key aspects:
Information about risks and protective mechanisms,
Combating illegal offers that pose particular risks,
Control of legal providers to ensure that all player protection regulations are adhered to.
The task of the GGL is to consistently enforce the legal requirements of the State Treaty on Gambling with regard to player protection for permitted providers.
“Sports betting is a growing market; consistent oversight of legal providers, along with combating illegal betting services, is important to protect players and ensure legal certainty in the market,” said Sebastian Buchholz, head of the “Licensing and Supervision of Legal Gambling” department at GGL.
Gambling addiction develops gradually. Anyone who notices warning signs such as increasing stakes or social withdrawal should seek help early.
The post GGL Warns: Illegal Online Gambling Puts Young People in Particular at High Risk of Addiction appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
SYNOT Games has accelerated its growth in the Slovak market through the delivery of branded games exclusively for SazkaHry.sk. Building on its extensive experience and success in the Czech Republic, the company is reinforcing its commitment to providing high-quality, customised gaming experiences tailored to local audiences.
As part of this expansion, two branded SYNOT Games titles originally created for Sazka CZ, Pirátska Plavba and Výlet do Vegas 27, have been translated into Slovak. These are not only localised games but exclusive, tailor-made titles that have already been successfully running on the Czech platform. Their adaptation for the Slovak market for the SazkaHry.sk offers a uniquely personalised and immersive experience for local players.
Martina Krajčí, CCO at SYNOT Games, said: “Our long-term partnership with Sazka in the Czech Republic continues to bring excellent results, and we are proud to expand our expertise to Slovakia for Allwyn Slovensko. By providing exclusive localized content for SazkaHry.sk, we ensure a more tailored and engaging experience for players, while continuing to uphold the highest standards in certified, secure gaming.”
Jan Horyna, member of the Allwyn Slovensko Board of Directors, said: “We’re pleased to cooperate with SYNOT Games in Slovakia. Offering branded games exclusive for SazkaHry.sk in the Slovak language is a natural step in offering original content that resonates with Slovak players and builds our position as a trusted operator.”
The post SYNOT Games Delivers Bespoke Games Exclusively for SazkaHry.sk in the Slovak Market appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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