German gaming market grows to 9.4 billion euros

The German game market grew by 4% compared to the previous year in 2025, reaching 9.4 billion euros (about 14 trillion won). According to a report released by the German Game Industry Association (Game) based on data from market research firms YouGov and Sensor Tower, this growth was mainly driven by strong sales of console hardware, especially the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2.

Overall, hardware segment sales increased by 12% to €3.4 billion. Console hardware surged 26%, reaching 1 billion euros, and gaming PCs rose 7%, reaching 651 million euros, thanks to the launch of ROG Xbox Ally.

Online service growth is clear, package games are declining

Sales of gaming PC peripherals (graphics cards, input devices, monitors, VR headsets, etc.) increased by 13% to 1.4 billion euros, while demand for console peripherals decreased and sales fell 10% to only 360 million euros.

What is especially noteworthy is that online game service sales grew by 7% compared to the previous year, exceeding 1 billion euros for the first time. This is an increase from 967 million euros in 2024, more than doubling in 6 years compared to 461 million euros in 2019.

On the other hand, game software sales fell 1% to 5 billion euros, and individual PC and video game purchases fell 13% to 807 million euros.

Changing consumption patterns of German gamers

Felix Falk, head of the Game Association, said, “The German gaming market is back on the growth track, and once again, innovation is driving this momentum.” He added, “Increasing console sales driven by the launch of new devices and growth in online gaming services show strong interest in new gaming content.”

Chairman Falk also mentioned the changes in consumption habits of German gamers. “While sales from individual game purchases are declining significantly, in-game and in-app purchases are continuing to grow slightly at a much higher level,” he said. “Some games have become truly long-running hits. Over the years, they have built huge communities and are regularly supplied with new content, maintaining loyalty to ‘their’ games.”

He also explained, “Because many online game services regularly provide new titles, the overall purchase of new titles is decreasing,” suggesting that the market structure is being reorganized around subscription services and live service games.