Connect with us

Central Europe

Slower workforce growth and fewer new companies: the upward trend in the German games industry is weakening

Published

on

slower-workforce-growth-and-fewer-new-companies:-the-upward-trend-in-the-german-games-industry-is-weakening
Reading Time: 2 minutes

 

• Number of German game companies grows by 4 per cent in twelve months
• Slowed growth pace: employment figures at developers and publishers up 3.5 per cent
• German games industry plus extended game labour market provides more than 30,000 jobs
 
The strong upward trend seen in the German games industry in recent years is now weakening significantly. After registering 15 per cent growth a year ago, the number of game companies increased by just 4 per cent in the past twelve months, to a total of 948 companies developing and publishing computer and video games in Germany. This was announced today by game – The German Games Industry Association on the basis of data from gamesmap.de in cooperation with Goldmedia. In particular, the number of companies that exclusively develop games is rising, with 6 per cent growth in the past year bringing the figure to 477 currently. A further 52 companies in Germany specialise exclusively in publishing video games and 419 are active in both game development and publishing. This amounts to a 52 per cent overall increase in the number of game companies in Germany since 2020.
Employee numbers at German game companies showed continued growth, but at only half the pace of the previous year. The number of employees at game development studios and publishers rose to 12,408 over the past twelve months, up around 3.5 per cent from last year’s figure of 11,992. This compares with 7 per cent growth recorded from 2022 to 2023. At first glance, the weakened yet still positive trend appears contradictory against the backdrop of the current overall decline in investment momentum and major waves of consolidation in the international games industry. While the current consolidation wave has indeed affected German game companies, its impact here has been less pronounced than in general internationally. One reason for this is that many game companies in Germany are currently still in the midst of projects made possible by federal games funding, which has served as a stabilising factor for the industry as a whole. In addition to the workforce in publishing and development, an estimated further 20,000 people are employed in the area of games. The games industry thus provides jobs for over 30,000 people in Germany, including skilled professionals in educational institutions, the media and the public and commercial sectors.
‘Games funding plays a decisive role in this. Although the on-going application freeze for the federal games funding has hampered the development of new projects for over a year now, the fact that many German studios were still in the middle of federally funded projects gave them stability. However, if the German government doesn’t ensure funding budgets at an internationally comparable level soon, the prospects for game companies will be all the more unclear. Along with the consolidation wave,’ he continues, ‘the current unpredictable and non-competitive framework conditions in Germany have now slowed the strong growth of recent years. The German government must finally make the promised funds available and return to the path of an ambitious policy of single-source game funding, as it announced in its latest growth initiative.’
About the data:
The data is drawn from a survey carried out by Goldmedia on the basis of entries on gamesmap.de. It was conducted on behalf of game – The German Games Industry Association for the period ending on 14 June 2024.

The post Slower workforce growth and fewer new companies: the upward trend in the German games industry is weakening appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Central Europe

Pro Selection – next generation casino multigame from Promatic Group

Published

on

pro-selection-–-next-generation-casino-multigame-from-promatic-group
Reading Time: 3 minutes

 

Promatic Group, a Polish manufacturer of slot machines and system solutions for the gaming industry, is launching a new collection of slots dedicated to casino customers – the Pro Selection multigame. The first devices have already been certified in Poland and stood in casinos in Warsaw and Krakow. 

 

One platform, up to 55 games

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

Pro Selection is software with a collection of as many as 55 different titles, covering the full functional and stylistic range of games from the Polish company’s portfolio. Players will find both classic “fruits” games – traditional and simple in form – and modern adventure games, based on an elaborate narrative and unique logics. Branded productions that stand out for their original creations and high graphic quality are also worthy of special attention.

“In Pro Selection, we wanted to include our best titles and those that have proven themselves in both the land-based and online slot segments. That’s why players will find classics such as Miss Joker, one of the most popular games at Poland’s only legal online casino, or 81 Show, a popular hat game. There are also online hits of recent months such as Pixel Fruits and Ale Cool Bober. On top of that, we have added titles that have so far only been available in land-based slot machines and have been great in them, namely Golden Train, Aladdin or Magic Ladybird Mega,” says Piotr Fedak, CEO of Promatic. – “As for branded productions, games with Mariusz Pudzianowski remain a hit, and not only in Poland”, he adds.

 

Variability and mathematics for every player

One of the important features of Multigame Pro Selection is the mathematical diversity of the games available in it. The collection offers games with varying levels of volatility – from low to very high (on a scale of 1 to 5 stars). As a result, the package meets the needs of both enthusiasts of long session play with frequent, smaller wins, and players looking for higher risk and high wins.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

Also new to Pro Selection is a revamped user interface. An intuitive lobby, it provides quick access to all titles, convenient filtering and easy navigation – both from the touch screen and traditional buttons. This is part of software that meets the highest industry technical standards and has been certified by a Polish testing laboratory accredited by the Minister of Finance as authorized to test gaming machines.

“As a product dedicated to casinos, i.e. the most demanding B2B customers, Pro Selection is designed to be fully integrated with the SAS protocol, which is standard in this market, giving compatibility with various casino management systems and providing full operational and billing transparency. It’s a product that is ready for deployment in casino environments where reliability and control are key,” explains Piotr Fedak. – We strive to ensure that Pro Selection’s multigame always goes hand in hand with our proprietary Royal Sevens Jackpot progressive jackpot system, which in itself is a huge asset and player magnet, Fedak adds.

 

Ease of maintenance and energy efficiency

Pro Selection software is available exclusively on the latest casino-class slot machines from Promatic Group – that is, the Casino 27 and PRO VIP 27 and 32 cabinets These are top-quality terminals equipped with HD monitors, state-of-the-art sound systems and RGB lighting to enhance the gaming atmosphere.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

“Thanks to their modular design and intuitive service menus, our multigames are virtually maintenance-free – that is, technical service friendly. Interestingly also, our energy efficiency studies have shown that compared to the competition, Promatic machines consume significantly less energy,” says Piotr Fedak. – At the moment Pro Selection is fully certified for the Polish market, and work is already underway to obtain licenses for the Czech Republic, Slovakia where our goal is to implement this 100% Polish product in those very markets, says Piotr Fedak.

 

About Promatic Group

Promatic Group is a Polish company with more than 28 years of experience in the gambling industry, specializing in the production of gaming machines and providing dedicated software for gaming rooms and casinos, both land-based and online. The company’s headquarters and factory are located in Warsaw and Jelenia Gora.

In Poland, Promatic’s devices can be found in Totalizator Sportowy’s legal gaming salons, casinos of the WinCasino chain and selected Casinos Poland locations. The company also operates in Latin American and African markets.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

Promatic Group is certified to ISO 27001 for information security and ISO 9001 for slot machine manufacturing quality.

Since 2021, the company has also been developing its online gaming segment under the Promatic Games brand, offering online slots in regulated markets in Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. It also holds B2B licenses issued by regulators in Romania (ONJN) and Malta (MGA) and plans to enter more than a dozen new markets in the next few months.

The post Pro Selection – next generation casino multigame from Promatic Group appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Central Europe

WinCasino debuts in Warsaw with a new flagship venue

Published

on

wincasino-debuts-in-warsaw-with-a-new-flagship-venue
Reading Time: 3 minutes

 

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.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

“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.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)
Continue Reading

Central Europe

Playzia Partners with Erwin to Accelerate Growth in German iGaming Market

Published

on

playzia-partners-with-erwin-to-accelerate-growth-in-german-igaming-market
Reading Time: 2 minutes

 

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.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

“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.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)
Continue Reading

Trending

Get it on Google Play

Fresh slot games releases by the top brands of the industry. We provide you with the latest news straight from the entertainment industries.

The platform also hosts industry-relevant webinars, and provides detailed reports, making it a one-stop resource for anyone seeking information about operators, suppliers, regulators, and professional services in the European gaming market. The portal's primary goal is to keep its extensive reader base updated on the latest happenings, trends, and developments within the gaming and gambling sector, with an emphasis on the European market while also covering pertinent global news. It's an indispensable resource for gaming professionals, operators, and enthusiasts alike.

Contact us: [email protected]

Editorial / PR Submissions: [email protected]

Copyright © 2015 - 2024 - Recent Slot Releases is part of HIPTHER Agency. Registered in Romania under Proshirt SRL, Company number: 2134306, EU VAT ID: RO21343605. Office address: Blvd. 1 Decembrie 1918 nr.5, Targu Mures, Romania