Central Europe

German Games Market Registers 6% Growth in 2019

Published

5 years ago

April 24, 2020

Reading Time: 3 minutes

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).

Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 (25-26 March)

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.

Central Europe

Digitain Partners with Gamingtec to Expand Presence in Europe

Published

3 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

2 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!

The post GamingTECH CEE Awards 2025: The Online Voting Battle Begins February 12! appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.