Central Europe

German games market grows by 27 per cent in the first six months of 2020

Published

5 years ago

September 25, 2020

Reading Time: 3 minutes

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the first few months of this year not only broke records in terms of player numbers on many platforms; the games market also grew significantly during this period. Games and games hardware generated 3.7 billion euros in total revenue during the first half of 2020 in Germany: a 27 per cent increase, as announced today by game – the German Games Industry Association based on data collected by GfK and App Annie. Revenue from in-game purchases rose particularly sharply. In the first half of 2019, these purchases accounted for approximately 1.1 billion euros in revenue, whilst in the first six months of this year, that figure grew to nearly 1.5 billion euros – a 35 per cent increase. 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.

‘Particularly at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when countless contact restrictions were in place, games helped millions of people by keeping them entertained, allowing them to travel through virtual worlds when holidays were cancelled and keeping them in touch with friends and family,’ says Felix Falk, Managing Director of game. ‘This strong interest in games is now reflected in a spike in revenue – an exceptionally sharp spike, even for the German games market, which has already been experiencing rapid growth in recent years. It’s also notable that many people have opted to purchase gaming hardware, although revenue in this area typically tends to decline before the launch of a new generation of consoles. All these factors highlight just how important games really are – and not just during the COVID-19 pandemic.’

Games hardware in high demand
As part of the strong growth in the overall market, revenue from games hardware also increased drastically during the first six months of the year. Whilst in the first half of 2019 gaming PCs, games consoles and peripherals generated approximately 1.1 billion euros of revenue, that figure rose to 1.3 billion euros during the same period of this year. This equates to an increase of 21 per cent. And all four sectors of the market grew. Revenue from peripherals for gaming PCs increased particularly significantly; this includes input devices for gaming such as special mice and keyboards, monitors and graphics cards specially tailored to gamers, and virtual reality headsets.

Games help people get through the coronavirus crisis
In the lead-up to this year’s gamescom, game published representative survey data on the playing behaviour of Germans during the coronavirus crisis. The data showed that around one third (35 per cent) of players said they had played more than usual during the COVID-19 pandemic; about one quarter (27 per cent) had played more frequently than usual with family or friends. Overall, more than one quarter (28 per cent) of players said that games have helped them to get through the pandemic better.

About the market data
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 of the 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.

The survey data used is based on an online survey by YouGov Deutschland GmbH in which 2,027 persons participated between 27 July and 1 August 2020. The results were weighted and are representative of the German population aged 16 and older.

game – the German Games Industry Association
We are the association of the German games industry. Our members include developers, publishers and many other games industry actors such as esports event organisers, educational establishments and service providers. As a joint organiser of gamescom, we are responsible for the 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 is to make Germany the best games location.

Bragg Gaming Group

Bragg Gaming Group Partners with StarGames

Published

3 hours ago

February 19, 2026

Wladimir P.

bragg-gaming-group-partners-with-stargames

Bragg Gaming Group has strengthened its presence in the German iGaming market by partnering with StarGames to offer its popular, high-performing slots. Through this partnership, Gamomat games and other titles powered by Bragg are available on the StarGames website.

“At Bragg, we are proud that many of our most popular games have become part of the offering on StarGames – one of the best-known and licensed online arcades in Germany. This collaboration stands for trust, quality, and a shared passion: gaming experiences driven by responsibility and dedication, the Company said.

“Our Powered by Bragg program delivers Gamomat to StarGames, a leading German development studio based in Berlin, which has been creating games since 2008 that are played and appreciated around the world. More than 150 Gamomat titles are now available online, Powered by Bragg – across 35 countries and in 27 languages. From the very beginning, Gamomat has followed one guiding principle: ‘Passion for games and people.’ Gamomat games combine timeless design, strong themes, and modern game mechanics – and this combination finds its perfect home on StarGames.

“StarGames is among the leading brands in the regulated German online gaming market. Together, we offer players a legal, safe, and entertaining experience – featuring many of Gamomat’s most popular titles, including:

Ramses Book – an Egyptian classic with cult status.

Crystal Ball – magic, free spins, and excitement in multiple versions.

Sticky Diamonds – dazzling gems, free spins, and high winning potential.

La Dolce Vita – the sweet life on the reels, complete with Mediterranean flair.

“These and many other slots from Gamomat and other studios distributed by Bragg are firmly established in the StarGames portfolio and enjoy great popularity among German players. Our cooperation with StarGames is built on shared values: fairness, transparency, and responsibility. We share the vision of creating sustainable, high-quality online entertainment for German players. Through this partnership, we can make our portfolio accessible to a wide audience – in an environment that stands for quality and integrity.”

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Central Europe

NOVOMATIC Once Again Recognised as an “Austrian Leading Company”

Published

3 days ago

February 16, 2026

Wladimir P.

novomatic-once-again-recognised-as-an-“austrian-leading-company”

NOVOMATIC AG has been recognised as an “Austrian Leading Company” for 2026/2027 by the independent excellence platform Leitbetriebe Austria.

NOVOMATIC has been a certified leading company since 2013 and this prestigious status has now been confirmed once again following a comprehensive screening. The evaluation process, which takes place every two years, ensures that certified companies meet the highest quality standards. Decisive criteria include sustainable corporate goals such as innovation, growth and targeted employee development. As one of Lower Austria’s largest employers and a substantial taxpayer, the international gaming technology group makes a sustainable contribution to Austrian value creation. At the same time, NOVOMATIC is pursuing a long-term ESG strategy that combines economic performance with ecological responsibility and social sustainability.

“Long-term corporate success is based on stability, innovative strength, and a clear sense of responsibility towards employees, society, and the environment. This renewed recertification as a leading company confirms our strategic orientation and our commitment to combining economic strength with sustainable corporate management,” emphasised NOVOMATIC Executive Board Member Stefan Krenn as he received the certificate at the Group’s Lower Austrian headquarters alongside fellow Executive Board Members Ryszard Presch and Johannes Gratzl.

Monica Rintersbacher, Managing Director of Leitbetriebe Austria, also emphasised the significance of the award: “For many years, NOVOMATIC has been exemplary in the areas that define a leading company: international technological innovation on the one hand and a clear commitment to its location, employees, and society on the other. With this renewed award, the company is underscoring its role as a stable driving force for the economy and employment in Austria.”

This recertification confirms NOVOMATIC’s position as an economically reliable and responsible company both nationally and internationally.

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Central Europe

Gaming Realms expands into Switzerland through tie-up with Swiss Casinos

Published

1 week ago

February 12, 2026

Wladimir P.

gaming-realms-expands-into-switzerland-through-tie-up-with-swiss-casinos

Gaming Realms, the inventor of the distinctive Slingo format, has strengthened its international standing by launching its market presence in Switzerland with top operator Swiss Casinos.

The provider’s renowned Slingo game is now accessible to local players for the first time, offering an engaging gaming experience that combines the thrill of slots with strategy.

Games with demonstrated worldwide success and a large fanbase, like Slingo Sweet Bonanza, Slingo Da Vinci Diamonds, and Slingo Gold Cash, are now accessible to patrons of Swiss Casinos, a top online casino brand in Switzerland.

The latest market entry represents another significant accomplishment for Gaming Realms, as the provider has recently broadened its presence to new areas in Europe.

Mariachiara Lagravinese, Regional Account Manager at Gaming Realms, said: “Entering the Swiss market for the first time marks another milestone in our global growth strategy across regulated markets.

“Swiss Casinos is a renowned operator with a deep understanding of the local landscape, making them the ideal partner to introduce our unique content to Swiss players.”

Patrick Mastai, Managing Director Online Casino at Swiss Casinos, said: “Partnering with Gaming Realms is a testament to our commitment to delivering world-class gaming content to our customers.

“Their Slingo titles have a proven track record of global success, and we are proud to be the first operator offering these games in Switzerland. Titles like Slingo Sweet Bonanza and Slingo Gold Cash provide exactly the kind of high-quality, engaging variety our players have come to expect from us, and we look forward to a successful partnership.”

The post Gaming Realms expands into Switzerland through tie-up with Swiss Casinos appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.