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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OKTO announced the launch of its advanced cash-to-digital payment solution, OKTO.CASH with bet-at-home, a renowned and established operator in the German iGaming market. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for OKTO, expanding its footprint in Germany and further solidifying its reputation as an innovator in cash-to-digital solutions for iGaming enthusiasts.

OKTO.CASH offers bet-at-home users a hassle-free way to consume iGaming services with cash in real-time. Leveraging OKTO‘s always growing network of over 14,000 points of sale across Germany, including well-known brands such as Aral, Deutsche Post, Esso, Kiosk, Lotto, Shell, and many others, users can effortlessly convert physical cash into digital currency. This streamlined process provides a secure, fast, and easy-to-use top-up method that caters to the preferences of the market.

Richard Greslehner, Head of Product at bet-at-home Internet Ltd commented: “This partnership underscores our dedication to delivering cutting-edge and convenient payment solutions for our customers. With OKTO.CASH, users can now seamlessly deposit their physical cash into their online bet-at-home accounts at their favourite everyday stores.”

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“We are thrilled to partner with bet-at-Home for the launch of OKTO.CASH in Germany,” said Mikhail Ovsepyan, Head of Germany at OKTO. “This collaboration underlines our dedication to expanding our presence in the German market and delivering cutting-edge payment solutions that meet the needs of iGaming enthusiasts. We look forward to revolutionizing the gaming payment experience and providing unparalleled convenience and security to users.”

OKTO‘s expansion in the German region follows the approval of both OKTO.WALLET and OKTO.CASH by the German Gaming License Authority (GGL) last year. Embedded into the merchant’s app or website, OKTO.CASH provides users with the fastest and most direct method to upload cash online, eliminating the need for third-party apps. Users can select OKTO.CASH as their payment method, choose the deposit amount, and select the nearest location from over 14,000 points to top up their accounts safely and in real-time.