Central Europe
Buying Games as Downloads is More Popular Than Ever in Germany
The share of PC and console games purchased as downloads in Germany climbed to 60% for the first time in 2023, meaning that download purchases have remained at the same high level they reached during the first year of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. Back then, the share of downloads jumped from 45 to 58%. These figures were published by game – The German Games Industry Association, in cooperation with market research company CPS GfK. A closer look at the individual gaming platforms, though, shows there are huge differences between them. Download purchases are most popular among PC players; these days, they buy nearly all of their games – 98% – as downloads. Last year, that figure was already 97%. Consoles are a different story, though. Most console players prefer to buy games on physical media. The majority of console games – 60% – are still purchased as physical media, even though that figure has dropped by 3% points compared to last year.
The way in which video game players purchase games is also a question of age. The younger generation of players in Germany overwhelmingly opt for downloads. And this trend is particularly strong among players between the ages of 20 and 29: they buy more than 7 out of 10 PC or console games (71%) in this format. But these days, growing numbers of older players are starting to prefer downloads, as well. Among 50- to 59-year-olds, approximately 6 out of 10 games (59%) are purchased as downloads; last year, this group bought about 53% of their games on physical media. Physical copies are most popular among the over-60s. In 2023, they bought more than half their games (53%) on physical media. However, this figure also represented a decline of 12% points in sales of physical media among this group.
“We’re seeing a clear trend: downloads are becoming an established way of buying games, and their share of the games market is continually increasing, even though that growth has slowed a bit since the pandemic. For many people, downloads are a quick and convenient way to buy games. Last year, a number of big blockbuster games, like ‘Baldur’s Gate 3’ and ‘Alan Wake II’, were initially released as digital exclusives. Plenty of successful indie games have been download-only for ages, as well. All these factors have given the popularity of downloads a massive boost. But how games are purchased still varies according to the age of the player and the type of platform. Video game players primarily buy their console games on physical media, to get the limited editions and fan merchandise that come with them, or to ensure that they always have a copy of the game in their collection,” Felix Falk, Managing Director of game, said.
The post Buying Games as Downloads is More Popular Than Ever in Germany appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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 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.”
The post Bragg Gaming Group Partners with StarGames appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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.
The post NOVOMATIC Once Again Recognised as an “Austrian Leading Company” appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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