Central Europe

game’s industry barometer: the German games industry looks confidently to the new year

Published

4 years ago

December 11, 2020

Reading Time: 2 minutes

• 7 in 10 games companies in Germany expect positive economic development for their own business operations over the next 12 months

• 45 per cent of games companies surveyed plan additional hires in the coming year

• Every third company has postponed projects or publications due to the Covid-19 pandemic

European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

The Covid-19 pandemic notwithstanding, the vast majority of games companies in Germany are confident heading into 2021: 7 in 10 companies anticipate positive economic development for their own business operations in the coming 12 months. 1 in 5 companies (19 per cent) expects to maintain a steady course at its current level; just 1 in 10 companies (10 per cent) anticipates a business downturn. These are the results of game’s first industry barometer, based on a survey of association members, which were published today on the occasion of the general meeting of game – the German Games Industry Association. The confidence of the German games industry can also be seen in the area of personnel planning, with 45 per cent of the surveyed companies intending to hire new employees in the coming year and just 6 per cent anticipating having to make lay-offs. Overall, every second company expects to maintain steady personnel numbers.

‘Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, the German games industry is looking towards the coming 12 months with great confidence: almost 1 in 2 companies even plans new hires,’ says Felix Falk, Managing Director of game. ‘Not even the numerous challenges posed by the pandemic – like frequent project delays, deferred investments or the search for additional sources of financing – are dampening the games industry’s great optimism about the future. And that’s exactly the right attitude when it comes to achieving our shared goal of moving Germany closer to the global leaders as a games location.’

A look at the current development among games companies in Germany explains this confidence. More than 1 in 4 companies surveyed (28 per cent) say they are coping with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic very well, while a further 67 per cent state that they are coping well. Just 5 per cent of companies say that they are currently coping rather poorly with the crisis. However, the Covid-19 pandemic is having significantly greater effects on games companies than might be expected based on the positive data at first glance. Every third company surveyed (33 per cent) has had to postpone projects or game publications because of the pandemic. In addition, almost 1 company in 5 (18 per cent) has deferred investments due to the pandemic. Furthermore, nearly one fifth of the companies surveyed (19 per cent) have been forced to seek other means of funding as a response to the pandemic.

Information on game’s industry barometer
The members of game – the German Games Industry Association are surveyed once a year for game’s industry barometer. Our 320-plus members include game developers, publishers and many other games industry actors such as esports event organisers, educational establishments and service providers.

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.

Central Europe

Digitain Partners with Gamingtec to Expand Presence in Europe

Published

4 weeks ago

March 31, 2025

George Miller

digitain-partners-with-gamingtec-to-expand-presence-in-europe

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Digitain is pleased to announce its partnership with Gamingtec’s Betters.pl brand, a rising sports betting operator in Poland, as part of its ongoing expansion in regulated markets.

Digitain is delighted to welcome Betters.pl, a brand of Gamingtec’s platform and a fast-growing sports betting operator in Poland, to its expanding network of partners. By combining Gamingtec’s local expertise and with Digitain’s advanced technology and extensive industry experience, this partnership aims to provide players in the region with a secure, engaging, and user-friendly betting experience. Digitain is confident that Gamingtec’s robust PAM will ensure seamless player account management, security, and compliance, enhancing the overall betting experience for the clients.

Through this partnership agreement, Digitain’s award-winning Sportsbook bespoke API solution will now be available for Betters.pl.

Ani Mkrtchyan, Digitain’s Chief Sales Officer, commented: “We are excited to expand the partnership with Gamingtec and support Betters.pl in delivering an outstanding sports betting experience in Poland. This collaboration aligns with our commitment to expanding in regulated markets and is yet another example of how we partner with industry leaders in gaming excellence—perfectly reflecting Digitain’s new brand slogan: ‘BUILT TO LEAD.’”

Andrei Beu, Commercial Director, added: “Partnering with Digitain marks another exciting strategic step forward for Gamingtec as we continue to strengthen and solidify our presence in the Polish market and drive our expansion across regulated markets within the EU. Digitain’s advanced Sportsbook technology and dedication to excellence aligns perfectly with our vision and ambitions to provide an unrivaled premium gaming experience for our players. This collaboration is yet another testament to Gamingtec’s position as a leading force in the iGaming industry”

The post Digitain Partners with Gamingtec to Expand Presence in Europe appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Central Europe

Altenar delivers sportsbook solution to MerkurXtip in Czech market

Published

2 months ago

March 3, 2025

George Miller

altenar-delivers-sportsbook-solution-to-merkurxtip-in-czech-market

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Leading sportsbook technology provider grows European footprint with major local operator

Altenar, a leading sports betting and iGaming software provider, has signed an agreement to provide its fully-managed sportsbook solution to Czech operator MerkurXtip.

The Merkur brand, formerly known as the Gauselmann Group, was founded in the 1970s. Its Czech online brand MerkurXtip CZ launched in 2022 and provides more than 200 slots and sports betting across a wide variety of sporting events..

Altenar’s sportsbook solution will replace the existing sportsbook product on the operator’s merkurxtip.cz website, providing a range of innovative features to elevate the betting experience for players, enhance retention rates and increase revenue.

The agreement strengthens Altenar’s position in the Czech market, where it secured its first deal in 2024. It has enjoyed successful ongoing partnerships with Kingsbet CZ and DATA.BET.

Sam Hill, Sales Director at Altenar, said: “The Merkur Group is a fantastic business with real heritage across the industry.

“To be trusted to take their brand forward in the Czech market is testament to the quality of product and service that Altenar provides today across numerous regulated markets. We can’t wait to get started and look forward to the development of our partnership with the Group.”

Stanislav Sopko, CEO of MerkurXtip CZ, said: “This collaboration marks the start of a promising journey together. Through this partnership, we aim to provide MerkurXtip’s customers with exceptional sports betting products from Altenar and deliver the best-in-class gaming experience in the market.

“We will combine our strengths and expertise to create new opportunities, improve offerings, and drive forward innovation. Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this exciting venture together. We look forward to achieving great things in the months and years ahead.”

The post Altenar delivers sportsbook solution to MerkurXtip in Czech market appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Central Europe

GamingTECH CEE Awards 2025: The Online Voting Battle Begins February 12!

Published

3 months ago

February 10, 2025

George Miller

gamingtech-cee-awards-2025:-the-online-voting-battle-begins-february-12!

Reading Time: 3 minutes

The highly anticipated GamingTECH CEE Awards 2025 is entering its next thrilling phase as the online voting period kicks off on February 12 and runs through February 28, 2025. Nominees, get ready to enter the spotlight and prepare your communications campaigns! From the moment voting opens, all nominated companies and individual professionals will be visible, giving them the opportunity to rally support via social media and beyond to secure votes.

The GamingTECH CEE Awards celebrates outstanding achievements, embracing the latest advancements and industry trends in the region. Following a rigorous nomination process that concluded on January 19, the upcoming online voting session will determine the shortlists.

Key Dates:

Online Voting Period: February 12–28, 2025
Shortlist Announcement: March 4, 2025
Final Live Vote & Awards Ceremony: March 25, 2025, at the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit

New Rule for 2025:

This year, the GamingTECH CEE Awards introduces an important update: Each voter will only be allowed one vote for the entire online voting period. Nominees are encouraged to actively engage their industry peers and supporters to maximize their chances of advancing to the finals.

From “Shortlisted” to “Finalist”

Additionally, only shortlisted nominees who confirm their attendance at the Awards by purchasing a ticket for the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit will be eligible to advance to the final voting stage. This ensures a fair competition for the Awards between equally committed finalists, and a strong industry presence at the Summit to foster greater networking and engagement.

The final live vote will take place at the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit on March 25, 2025, where all event participants will have the opportunity to cast their votes and determine the ultimate winners. The winners will then be officially announced at the GamingTECH CEE Awards Ceremony, proudly sponsored and presented by Endorphina.

Awards Categories:

Individual Categories:

CEE iGaming Leader of the Year: Recognizing an individual from the CEE region who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and a strong impact in the iGaming industry. This person has driven growth and innovation in the region, setting the benchmark for others.
CEE Rising Star in iGaming: Celebrating an individual from the CEE region who has shown remarkable promise and potential in the iGaming industry early in their career. This award highlights emerging talent that is expected to shape the future of iGaming in the region.
CEE Innovator of the Year: Awarding the individual who has introduced the most groundbreaking innovations in the CEE iGaming sector. This person has significantly contributed to the evolution of the industry through unique products, services, or technologies tailored to the regional market.
CEE iGaming Influencer of the Year: Honoring a prominent individual whose influence and insights have significantly shaped the CEE iGaming community. Their thought leadership, content, or social presence has driven trends and fostered growth within the regional iGaming space.
Best iGaming CEO in CEE: Recognizing the CEO based in the CEE region who has led their company to new heights with outstanding strategic direction and business acumen. This award honors their ability to navigate the unique challenges of the CEE market and achieve exceptional business growth.

Get Involved & Secure Your Spot

Set your reminders and be ready for action on 12 February 2025! Encourage your peers, partners, and clients to participate in the voting process and ensure that your company or favorite nominee makes it to the final stage!

For more details on the awards, voting process, and ticketing information, visit https://hipther.com/events/prague/gamingtech-awards/ or contact HIPTHER at [email protected].

Join us in shaping the future of gaming and technology in CEE – Cast your vote and be part of the journey!

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