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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Betsson Group is going to participate in SiGMA Central Europe 2025, taking place in Rome, Italy, from 3–6 November. As one of the region’s most awaited iGaming conferences, SiGMA Central Europe brings together top industry leaders to explore new technologies, business opportunities and market trends shaping the future of the industry.
Betsson Group Joins the Stage at SiGMA Central Europe
Two of Betsson Group’s leaders will take the stage to discuss regulated markets, compliance and brand strategy.
4 November | 10:15–10:45 CET
Speaker: Dario Evangelista, Deputy General Counsel, Betsson Group
Panel: Licence to Launch: Winning Strategies for Entering Regulated Markets
This panel will explore key strategies for operators expanding from emerging to regulated markets, focusing on compliance, customer protection and cultural adaptation.
4 November | 13:20–13:35 CET
Speaker:Ronni Hartvig, Chief Commercial Officer, Betsson Group
Keynote: Global Power, Local Passion: Evolving Betsson’s Brand for a Regulated World
Ronni will discuss how Betsson Group has evolved its global strategy – rebranding, navigating regulation and uniting multiple brands under one identity while maintaining local relevance.
The post Betsson to Attend SiGMA Central Europe 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Palasino Group has revealed it will soon open its fourth casino operation in the Czech Republic.
The Hong Kong-listed casino operator was previously part of global real estate giant Far East Consortium – itself a partner and substantial shareholder of Australia’s Star Entertainment Group – before being spun off as a separate entity in March 2024.
In a social media update, Palasino said that the new branch, Palasino Mikulov, is scheduled to open in the coming months with construction already well underway.
The casino will, it added, feature a “modern, design-forward interior – bright, airy and welcoming” as well as a “premium gaming selection” including a wide range of slot machines and live table games such as roulette, blackjack and poker. The casino will also host a bar, buffet restaurant and social spaces
Mikulov, located close to the Austrian border, is described as a popular destination for both local and international visitors.
The group’s existing casinos include Palasino Excalibur City in South Moravia, Palasino Wullowitz in South Bohemia and Palasino Furth im Wald on the Bavarian and Czech border. It also operates five hotels.
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Amusnet is going to participate in SiGMA Central Europe 2025, taking place from 4 to 6 November in Rome.
Strengthening its position as an all-casino provider, the company will present a comprehensive portfolio of Online Casino, Live Casino and Land-based products, complemented by exciting live experiences tied to its latest slot release, Roman Coins, which draws inspiration from the rich history and spirit of the Eternal City and offers a chance for great instant win gifts to visitors. This participation is further distinguished by the company’s triple nomination at the SiGMA Central Europe B2B Awards for Best Casino Provider, B2B Industry Leader Italy and Best Game Provider Italy, underscoring its pivotal role in defining the future of gaming.
“Italy is a key strategic market for Amusnet, and our participation at SiGMA Central Europe 2025 underscores our commitment to product excellence and local partnerships. Together with the debut of our Type S slot cabinets in Italy, we will showcase our New Bonus Platform and latest slot releases, including Roman Coins, already proving to be a standout hit. Visitors can anticipate a dynamic, high-value experience, and we look forward to connecting and exploring strategic growth opportunities for our existing and new clients,” said Polina Nedyalkova, Director at Amusnet Italy
Amusnet’s showcase will feature a powerful mix of beloved classics and new titles: 20 Pirate Bombs, 27 Eternal Hot, Coin Gobbler, Latin Heart, Stoichkov#8, Tiki Tiki Boo Boo, 20 Golden Coins. Leading the charge is Roman Coins, the first 3-pot video slot that transports players to the majestic era of the Roman Empire, where vibrant imperial symbols and a powerful soundtrack set the stage for conquest.
In the spotlight will be Amusnet’s powerful suite of engagement tools, featuring its latest New Bonus Platform, the Golden Coins Link jackpot system, and Cash Bomb – a high-impact addition to the signature Jackpot Cards. This trio of innovations is engineered to captivate players, boosting retention and personalising their journey. Simultaneously, it equips operators with versatile instruments to deploy customised promotions and optimise commercial performance.
At the expo, visitors will have the opportunity to experience Amusnet’s Type S premium slot cabinets, powered by the AmuseBox platform, which offers a carefully selected lineup of top-performing and exciting new titles.
The post Amusnet Presents Full Suite of Casino Solutions at SiGMA Central Europe 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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