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Study Charts Surge in Germany’s Games Industry, Then a 2025 Setback

The findings point to growth coupled with weak local market capture that is fueling pushes for stable funding with tax incentives.

Overview

  • Games companies nearly doubled from 524 in 2018 to 948 in 2024, with the association counting 897 core developers and publishers.
  • Industry revenue reached €3.73 billion in 2024 and employment rose to 14,800, representing roughly 20% growth since 2018.
  • German-made titles accounted for 5.5% of money spent on games in Germany, indicating limited domestic market share despite expansion.
  • The sector shrank by about 5% in 2025, its first decline in years, which the industry attributes to fiercer competition and an uncertain investment climate.
  • The Goldmedia and game study, funded by the federal research ministry, cites high returns from public support and has spurred calls for a games fund with tax relief, a push backed by Minister Dorothee Bär.