German games market rose 4% in 2025 to €9.4bn, driven by hardware sales

In 2025, the German games market experienced a notable 4% growth, reaching €9.4 billion, largely driven by a surge in hardware sales, especially with the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2. This trend highlights a significant shift in consumer behavior, as online gaming services revenue surpassed €1 billion for the first time, indicating a growing preference for subscription models and in-game purchases over traditional game sales.

Developers should take note of these changing dynamics, as game sales dipped by 1% to €5 billion, while the demand for online services continues to rise. This evolution suggests that developers may need to focus more on creating engaging online experiences and sustaining long-term player communities, rather than relying solely on new game releases to drive revenue.