turnover in 2023
Your company is already operating in Germany and you would now like to export worldwide?
Key Facts
Gaming Facts & Figures
Around 12,000 people work in the gaming industry for the 786 companies in the gaming sector.
Germany is one of the biggest gaming markets in Europe. Germany’s Games Industry Association (game) reported turnover of almost EUR 10 billion in 2023.
Germany is home to major studios. Well-known German game developer studios include Crytek (“Crysis”), Piranha Bytes (“Gothic” and “Elex”) and Daedalic Entertainment (“Deponia” series) – all of whom were founded and develop games in Germany.
Opportunities
Talent Pool
Germany provides access to a large talent pool of IT, design and creative industries specialists. Many colleges and universities offer specialized games design and development study programs, ensuring a constant source of new games talent.
Funding and Support Programs
Generous government support is provided to the gaming industry in funding programs including the funding program for game developers made available by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK).
Regional Support
The different federal states have their own funding programs and cluster initiatives including, for example, Mediennetzwerk.NRW in North Rhine-Westphalia, to support the gaming industry.
Strong Infrastructure - Technology infrastructure:
Germany has excellent digital infrastructure with fast internet connections and modern data centers.
Logistical advantages
The central location in Europe and well-developed transportation networks facilitate swift access to other European markets.
Cultural Acceptance and Events
Gaming culture: Gaming has strong cultural roots in Germany. Events such as Gamescom in Cologne, one of the largest gaming trade fairs in the world, offer excellent networking and marketing opportunities.
- Esports: Germany is a central hub for esports with large events and a broad fanbase.
Gamer Diversity
Gaming is a mass phenomenon in Germany: 48% of gamers are female, 58% of 6- to 69-year-olds play games, the average gamer is 37.9 years old and 78% of gamers are at least 18 years old. This gamer diversity allows many different target groups to be addressed.
Business Environment
German Government Support
Germany’s government actively supports the gaming industry through a number of instruments. One important instrument is the annual German Computer Game Awards (DCP) which welcomes attendees from the gaming industry, culture, society, and politics as well as hundreds of thousands watching the livestream. The award offers a total prize money of EUR 800,000.
German Entertainment Software Self-Regulation Body (USK)
The Entertainment Software Self-Regulation Body (USK) is another important part of the gaming ecosystem. The USK has been dedicated to youth protection in gaming for nearly 30 years – balancing engagement and protection from unsuitable content. As the responsible body for rating digital games in Germany, the USK provides age ratings that guide parents and educators. Since its inception in 1994, the USK has conducted over 51,000 game evaluations and continues to adapt to new regulations, including those introduced by the 2021 German Youth Protection Act.
The German Games Industry Assocation (game)
The German Games Industry Association (game) is an important institution that helps drive the games industry forward. Members represent the entire gaming ecosystem: from development studios and publishers to esports organizers, educational institutions and other organizations. As the co-organizers of gamescom, game is responsible for the world's largest computer and video games event. The association is shareholders in the USK, the Digital Games Culture Foundation, the esports player foundation, devcom, and the VHG rights management organization. Game also hosts the German Computer Game Awards. As a key contact for media, politics, and society, it addresses all of the questions related to market development, gaming culture and media literacy.
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