Central Europe
German Games Market Registers 6% Growth in 2019

- German games industry tops the 6-billion-euro mark
- In-game purchases and fees for online services are growth engines
- ‘The dynamic growth shows once again that games are one of the most important drivers of the digital world.’
The German games market registered continued significant growth in 2019: sales of games hardware and software rose by 6 per cent overall, to around 6.2 billion euros. These are the figures released today by game – the German Games Industry Association, based on data collected by GfK and App Annie. Sales of games hardware, including consoles, gaming PCs and accessories, dropped by 2 per cent from the previous year, to 2.4 billion euros. In contrast, the market for games software showed a gain of 11 per cent: in 2019, a total of about 3.9 billion euros was spent on computer and video games and the fees for the respective online services.
‘The German games market developed amazingly well in 2019,’ says Felix Falk, Managing Director of game. ‘Up to now, the years at the end of a console generation have been comparatively weaker economically. But we aren’t seeing any st oe now. Revenue models like in-game purchases and fees for online services have become important columns st oe games market. This means that, alongside the classic purchase of computer and video games, the long-term use of game titles is playing an ever greater role. The dynamic growth shows once again that games are one st o most important drivers st o digital world.’
In-game purchases and fees for online services are decisive growth engines
Sales through fees for online services showed the strongest percentage growth in 2019, rising by 31 per cent, to 461 million euros. These include, among other things, costs st oe online services of games consoles such as Nintendo Switch Online, PlayStation Plus and Xbox Live Gold. Also in this category are subscription services like Origin Access Premiere (EA) and Uplay+ (Ubisoft), which charge a fixed monthly rate for access to a large library of games, as well as sales for cloud gaming offerings like Google Stadia and PlayStation Now. Sales through in-game purchases also grew sharply in 2019: compared to 2018, this submarket increased by 16 per cent, to around 2.3 billion euros. In-game purchases include both small charges – to better equip one’s game character, for example – and more expensive content like whole additional campaigns and season passes. Declines were posted in other market segments, however, such as the one-time purchase of computer and video games (-3 per cent, to around 1 billion euros) and subscription to individual game titles (-10 per cent, to around 113 million euros).
About the market data
When further dedicated games hardware like gaming PCs and the corresponding accessories are taken into account, the market size for 2018 is larger than was communicated last year.
The market data is based on statistics compiled by the GfK Consumer Panel and App Annie. The methods used by GfK to collect data on Germany’s digital games market are unique in terms of both their quality and their global use. They include an ongoing survey of 25,000 consumers who are representative st o German population as a whole regarding their digital game purchasing and usage habits, as well as a retail panel. The data collection methods provide a unique insight into the German market for computer and video games.
Game – the German Games Industry Association
We are the association st o German games industry. Our members include developers, publishers and many other games industry actors such as esports companies, educational establishments and service providers. As a joint organiser of gamescom, we are responsible st oe world’s biggest event for computer and video games. We are an expert partner for media and for political and social institutions, and answer questions relating to market development, games culture and media literacy. Our mission st o make Germany the best games location.
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Central Europe
German Federal Government Significantly Increases the Budget for Games Funding

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Good news for games companies in Germany: the Federal Governmentâs budget plans provide for the significant increase in the games funding budget long demanded by game â The German Games Industry Association. The Federal Governmentâs draft budget provides for a total of 125 million euros annually from 2026. The new funds are in line with the calculations made by the game association for the funds required until the introduction of additional tax incentives for games, as announced in the coalition agreement.
âThatâs encouraging! The new federal government, and above all Federal Minister for Research and responsible for games Dorothee BĂ€r, is following up its words with action. Following the clear statements in the coalition agreement, the significant increase in games funding less than 50 days after taking office has already set a key course. The funding will ensure growth again and provide the necessary breathing space to implement the additional tax-based games funding planned in the coalition agreement at the same time. This decision is an important and encouraging sign that Germany is creating internationally comparable conditions and wants to catch up quickly in the competition between games locations,â said Felix Falk, Managing Director of game â The German Games Industry Association.
The post German Federal Government Significantly Increases the Budget for Games Funding appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Central Europe
Relax Gaming celebrates twenty-one Mega Jackpot winners as Hungarian player hits Dream Drop prize

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Relax Gaming, the iGaming aggregator and supplier of unique content, has announced its 21st Dream Drop Mega Jackpot winner after a Hungarian player landed a cool âŹ2.9 million prize from a âŹ0.30 spin.
The incredible win occurred at Vegas.hu, the first legally operating online casino in Hungary. The jackpot was hit playing Money Train Origins Dream Drop, a high-octane release that blends the gritty aesthetic of the original Money Train with the legendary Dream Drop jackpot.
Released in June 2023, Money Train Origins Dream Drop is part of Relax Gamingâs growing portfolio of jackpot titles. With engaging features and the proven popularity of the Money Train franchise, the title has delivered on every front, offering a compelling experience for both new and returning players.
This latest win marks the 21st time the top prize has been triggered since the jackpot launched, reaffirming Relax Gamingâs position as a leader in jackpot innovation. It also comes hot on the heels of the supplierâs recent upgrade to the product, with fast-paced Daily Jackpots added to the Dream Drop network earlier this month.
Martin StĂ„lros, CEO of Relax Gaming, said: âThis latest Mega Jackpot hit is another brilliant moment for Relax Gaming and for one very lucky player.
âWeâre especially pleased to see the jackpot drop at Vegas.hu, a key partner and a trailblazer in regulated online gaming in Hungary. With the addition of Daily Jackpots to our network, Dream Drop continues to lead the way in offering the most exciting jackpot experience in the industry.â
Laszlo Siba, Online Casino Director at Vegas.hu, added: âWe are absolutely thrilled to have hosted Hungaryâs first Dream Drop Mega Jackpot win here at Vegas.hu. Delivering standout moments like this is exactly what we strive for. Long may Relax Gamingâs innovative content continue to engage and excite our players, especially the Dream Drop series!â
The post Relax Gaming celebrates twenty-one Mega Jackpot winners as Hungarian player hits Dream Drop prize appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Central Europe
HIGHLIGHT GAMES LIVE ONLINE WITH FORTUNA

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London-based video virtuals and instant win games specialist Highlight Games Limited today announces that its flagship products are now live online in Poland with the Fortuna Entertainment Group.
Highlightâs flagship soccer products which feature genuine archive footage from some of the biggest leagues and teams in football are now available to Fortunaâs online customers. Iterations of the product include Italian Football featuring Serie A, Spanish Football featuring LaLiga and English Football featuring English Premier League teams. Additional content featuring ATP Tennis, MotoGP and other premier associations will be launched in the near future.
Steven Holmes, CEO, Highlight Games said: âIâm delighted to announce that Highlight Gamesâ premium video virtuals are now live online in Poland with our valued partners at Fortuna.  Itâs always an exciting time as we introduce our award-winning products to new customers, and we look forward to bringing additional content to Fortunaâs channels in the future.â
Erik Klems, Group RNG Product Manager, Fortuna Entertainment Group added: âHighlight Gamesâ exclusive soccer games featuring archive video footage are an incredibly exciting addition to our virtual sports offering and we canât wait for our online customers to enjoy them.  Highlight Gamesâ reputation as an innovator in the virtual sports market is undeniable, and weâre delighted to be working with them to bring their content to Poland.â
The post HIGHLIGHT GAMES LIVE ONLINE WITH FORTUNA appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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