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.
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Central Europe
EsportSpot Announces Launch of Online Casino Review Website in Poland
Reading Time: 2 minutes
EsportSpot has announced the launch of its platform that offers a carefully curated ranking of top online polskie kasyna. Leveraging the expertise of its editorial team, the website delivers reviews based on key criteria, such as game variety, payment methods (including Blik), legal licensing, mobile access, bonuses and user experience.
With the online casino market in Poland growing, EsportSpot is responding to the demand for trusted guidance in this expanding segment. The platform guides users to the najlepsze polskie kasyno online by dissecting major categories: slots (automaty online), table games (ruletka, blackjack, bakarat), live dealer games and new-entry casinos targeting Polish players.
“Gambling in stationary and online form is a favorite entertainment of over 3 million Poles. With each passing year, admirers of this type of entertainment are increasing, and statistics predict that by the end of 2030, up to 5 million Poles may be hobbyically involved in gambling. There is no denying that it is a fairly expensive hobby, so it is worth knowing how to play and where to play. That is why we decided to prepare for you a ranking of legal online casinos, which can be safely used in Poland and in many other countries around the world,” said a spokesperson for EsportSpot.
Dedicated to becoming a trusted authority in the Polish online casino space, specialising in kasyna polskie online, EsportSpot helps users navigate the large number of polskie kasyna and choose safe options by ranking and recommending high-quality platforms suited for Polish players.
Offering a catalogue of informative articles and guides, EsportSpot focuses on a range of online casino services, including comprehensive game libraries (10,000+ titles), strong payment options (including Blik), mobile readiness, live casino experiences and generous bonuses/promotions.
Emphasising safety and transparency, EsportSpot not only lists platforms but also educates and empowers players on what to consider when choosing an online casino in Poland. From articles detailing how to register, how to pick the right casino and what legal/licensing issues to watch for (e.g., Malta Gaming Authority, Curacao Gaming Board) to ensuring users understand deposit and withdrawal options (e.g., via Blik, e-wallets, cryptocurrency), security features and responsible gambling controls, the website empowers every player to achieve the best possible online experience.
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Central Europe
CT Interactive strengthens presence in Slovakia with launch of new games on Tipos.sk
Reading Time: < 1 minute
CT Interactive has expanded its footprint in the regulated Slovak market with the launch of a new portfolio of high-quality games on Tipos.sk. The portfolio features a selection of popular slots, including 20 Mega Star, 50 Treasures, 100 x Fresh, Dancing Dragons, Lucky 3 Penguins, and more, with five titles offering the innovative Buy Bonus feature to enhance gameplay strategy and player choice.
The launch will be accompanied by an exclusive tournament with attractive prize pools, providing players with an engaging experience while boosting traffic and visibility on Tipos.sk.
“Our newly certified portfolio delivers a fresh and dynamic gaming experience tailored for the Slovak audience,” said Ivan Zoumpalov, Regional Manager for the Czech Republic and Slovak Republic.
Martin Ivanov, Chief Operating Officer at CT Interactive, added: “The expansion of our content offering on Tipos.sk represents a major step in our broader international growth strategy. We are pleased to deliver a compelling and diverse array of content to our esteemed partner, while reaffirming our long-term commitment to the Slovak market.”
This expansion underscores CT Interactive’s dedication to innovation, regulatory compliance, and delivering premium gaming content to players across global markets.
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2025 Gaming in Germany Conference
Evaluation of State Gambling Treaty key topic at 2025 Gaming in Germany Conference
Reading Time: 2 minutes
In two weeks, operators, industry analysts, and legal experts will once again gather in Berlin to attend the 2025 Gaming in Germany Conference. This year’s event will take place on Tuesday, November 11.
Key topic: Evaluation of 2021 State Gambling Treaty
The 2021 State Gambling Treaty (GlüStV 2021) is currently being evaluated by the German federal states, with a final report expected next year.
The outcome of this evaluation will determine to what extent Germany’s iGaming regulatory framework will be adjusted to reflect market realities. Already, it appears that certain things the industry has been clamoring for – e.g., easier game certification – will become a reality.
While the industry will certainly not get everything it wants, the direction of regulatory development could be toward improvement.
Willem van Oort, Founder of Gaming in Germany commented: “This year’s Gaming in Germany Conference is where important discussions will take place on which regulatory goals to pursue. Major stakeholders, including operators, trade associations, and the regulator, are all coming. I think this underscores the importance of our event. Moreover, it is the only conference aimed at the German market where both domestic and international stakeholders show up to connect and share insights and information. If you want to help shape the conversation and meet key stakeholders, Berlin is the place to be.”
Breakout program
In addition to high-level regulatory and policy-related information, the 2025 Gaming in Germany Conference also offers highly practical information on topics such as data compliance, game certification, RG, live casino, eSports, and much more. Breakout sessions will be hosted by trained experts and are highly interactive.
Agenda & registration
The 2025 Gaming in Germany Conference takes place at the DoubleTree Hilton Ku’damm in Berlin – just 100 meters from the magnificent Kurfürstendamm.
The event’s agenda – including breakout program – is available here.
Registration for the 2025 Gaming in Germany Conference is now open.
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