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Buying Games as Downloads is More Popular Than Ever in Germany

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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.

Central Europe

Casino Interlaken teams up with Wazdan to bolster Swiss market presence

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Wazdan, the results-oriented developer, has further grown its notable European presence through a partnership with Casino Interlaken, a top operator in Switzerland.

The collaboration offers players at Casino Interlaken’s StarVegas.ch online platform access to Wazdan’s dynamic slot collection, showcasing its best-selling Coins™ and Hot Slot™ series, which emphasize engaging gameplay mechanics and consistently achieve high retention rates for compliant operator partners throughout Europe.

Inaugurated in 2020 by the renowned land-based Casino Interlaken, StarVegas.ch has emerged as a prominent online provider of engaging slot games, with its collection enhanced by numerous feature-rich titles from top global suppliers.

In addition to Wazdan’s launches, players at StarVegas.ch will be presented with the studio’s engagement-enhancing features, such as Hold the Jackpot™, Cash Infinity™, Collect to Infinity™, Sticky to Infinity™ and Cash Out™, which consistently enhance the slot experience with innovative improvements to gameplay.

Wazdan’s newest partnership strengthens its dedication to collaborating with reputable brands in regulated markets across the globe. Players throughout Switzerland are poised to gain from an enhanced content selection by merging its top-notch portfolio with StarVegas.ch’s standing for outstanding entertainment and technical proficiency.

Radka Bacheva, Head of Sales at Wazdan, said: “StarVegas has built a strong reputation for premium entertainment, making it a fantastic platform for our vast range of titles and engagement tools. Combining the company’s strong market positioning with our rewarding experiences ensures we can deliver measurable growth and rewarding entertainment for players nationwide.”

Mayke Wolf, Chief Operating Officer at StarVegas, said: “As one of the first licensed Swiss online casinos, StarVegas offers a wide selection of games from leading international providers. Players can access the full portfolio via Starvegas.ch as well as through the StarVegas mobile apps, which are among the most popular casino apps in Switzerland. With the addition of Wazdan’s content, StarVegas further expands its portfolio with innovative titles and new gaming highlights. This step underlines StarVegas’ commitment to continuously developing its offering and providing Swiss players with a diverse and high-quality online gaming experience.”

Oliver Grimm, Chief Executive Officer at Casino Interlaken, said: “Casino Interlaken stands for personal service and Swiss quality in the heart of the Alps, values that we carry into the online space with StarVegas through a technologically advanced and trusted platform. By partnering with Wazdan, we are further enhancing our offering with innovative slot content that delivers engaging experiences for players across Switzerland.”

The post Casino Interlaken teams up with Wazdan to bolster Swiss market presence appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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GGL Study Says Regulated Online Offerings Make Up the Majority of the Market

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The Joint Gambling Authority of the German Federal States (GGL) has published the results of the study “Investigation of the Black Market and Channeling of Online Gambling Based on a Survey of Gamblers”. The study was commissioned by the GGL and conducted by Blockchain Research Lab gGmbH.

The study concludes that the market volume of illegal and unregulated online gambling is 22.97%. This results in a channeling rate of 77.03%, meaning that legal or regulated offerings account for more than three-quarters of the online gambling market.

“The scientifically calculated channeling rate confirms our previous assumptions about the size of the black market. The results support the fact-based regulatory approach within the framework of the 2021 Interstate Treaty on Gambling,” said Ronald Benter, CEO of GGL.

The study also confirms the methodological approach of the GGL.

The investigation also confirms the GGL’s methodological approach to analysing the black market. The study’s findings are essentially consistent with the agency’s existing knowledge.

In particular, the method of reference value-based analysis, which has been used by the countries so far and adopted by the GGL, has been scientifically assessed as suitable for estimating the size of the illegal gambling market on the Internet.

Contribution to the evaluation process of the State Treaty on Gambling

The study has already been presented to the state gambling authorities. The results will be incorporated into the ongoing evaluation process of the 2021 Interstate Treaty on Gambling.

“We are in discussions with the states regarding the extent to which the results of this study may necessitate adjustments to the legal requirements. Furthermore, we are awaiting the results of the currently ongoing study on online player protection,” said Benter.

Consistent fight against illegal online gambling

The GGL’s aim is to further reduce the share of illegal online gambling offerings. The authority pursues a holistic approach, addressing the entire value chain of illegal online gambling, from game developers and providers to payment service providers and marketing and platform structures.

“Our measures will also be reflected in market shares in the medium term. However, the fight against illegal online gambling is a marathon, not a sprint,” explains Benter.

Networking and coordinated approaches are crucial here. A key component of the strategy is therefore cooperation with legal providers and other European regulatory authorities to limit the reach of illegal operators. The GGL reiterates its appeal to legal providers to make greater use of their options to curb illegal services.

In order to be able to observe developments over time, the GGL plans to continue the survey in a suitable form.

“A reliable database is crucial for effective regulation of the gambling market. Therefore, we will continue to systematically incorporate scientific findings into our work,” said Benter.

The post GGL Study Says Regulated Online Offerings Make Up the Majority of the Market appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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Endorphina Club Returns to Host the GamingTECH CEE Awards Ceremony & Party at HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026

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HIPTHER proudly announces the return of the Endorphina Club Awards Party & Ceremony, the official celebration of the GamingTECH CEE Awards 2026, taking place on 24 March 2026 at 20:00 at the iconic Buddha Bar Prague.

Organised by Endorphina, the Awards & Party Sponsor of the HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026, the evening marks one of the most anticipated moments of the summit’s 10th anniversary edition, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers to celebrate excellence across the Central and Eastern European gaming and technology ecosystem.

This year’s edition continues the successful partnership between HIPTHER and Endorphina, which began in 2023, with the Endorphina Events Team once again curating an unforgettable awards celebration concept and selecting one of Prague’s most elegant venues for the occasion.

A Celebration of Innovation, Community, and Excellence

The GamingTECH CEE Awards shine a spotlight on the companies, products, teams, and individuals shaping the future of gaming and technology across the region.

As part of the HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026, the awards recognise outstanding contributions across a wide spectrum of categories spanning iGaming innovation, compliance leadership, technological advancement, and industry growth.

The Endorphina Club Awards Party elevates the awards ceremony into a full evening experience, where the community gathers to celebrate achievements in a relaxed and vibrant atmosphere.

Guests can expect an exclusive evening where sophistication meets the spirit of Asia, featuring premium drinks, vibrant entertainment, and the unmistakable energy of one of Prague’s most iconic venues.

RSVP Required for Summit Participants

All HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026 participants who wish to attend the Awards Party are invited to confirm their participation in advance.

To secure a place on the official Endorphina Club guest list, attendees should contact the organiser to RSVP, at:

[email protected]

Due to the exclusive nature of the venue and limited capacity, online RSVP is mandatory.

Celebrating a Continued Partnership

The ongoing collaboration between HIPTHER and Endorphina has become a cherished tradition within the Prague Summit experience, with each edition introducing new creative concepts and memorable venues for the industry’s celebration night.

Commenting on the partnership, Zoltan Tundik, Co-Founder and Head of Business at HIPTHER, stated: “The GamingTECH CEE Awards have always been about recognising the people and companies who push our industry forward. Over the years, the Endorphina Club celebration has become one of the most anticipated moments of the Prague Summit. It’s a place where competitors turn into collaborators and the community comes together to celebrate innovation, resilience, and creativity. We are thrilled to once again partner with the Endorphina team to host this special evening in one of Prague’s most iconic venues as we mark the summit’s 10-year milestone.”

The Endorphina Club Party for GamingTECH Awards 2026 takes place during the HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026, held on 24–25 March 2026 at OREA Hotel Andel’s Praha, gathering regulators, operators, technology providers, affiliates, fintech innovators, and industry leaders from across Europe and beyond.

“Prague is our home – and as a Czech company, there’s nowhere we’d rather bring the industry together! Hosting The GamingTECH CEE Awards here isn’t just convenient, it’s personal. That’s why our collaboration with HIPTHER means so much to us: together we get to welcome partners, friends, and colleagues from across the industry to the city that made Endorphina what it is today. The Endorphina Club evening is one of those nights we pour our hearts into-because home games are always the best ones.” Irina Veselkova, Head of Marketing at Endorphina

Under the theme “Decoding the Future: 10 Years of Impact,” the summit explores the intersection of technology, regulation, and innovation through expert panels, workshops, and curated networking opportunities.

HIPTHER and the Endorphina Club Awards Party promises to deliver an unforgettable evening celebrating the achievements, creativity, and spirit of collaboration that define the gaming and tech community.

More information about HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026:
https://hipther.com/events/prague/

The post Endorphina Club Returns to Host the GamingTECH CEE Awards Ceremony & Party at HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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