A land of gamers

How big is the computer games market in Germany?

Germans spend about 9.4 billion euros per year on hardware, software and online services that are used primarily for gaming. This puts Germany in first place in Europe and in fifth place worldwide, behind the USA, Japan, China and South Korea.

Is Germany a land of gamers?

41.2 million people play computer and video games in Germany. Among 6- to 69-year-olds, the figure is 60 percent, while 79 percent of players are at least 18 years old. Contrary to the cliché of the young male gamer, the average age of players is rising continuously (currently 38.3 years), and nearly half of gamers (46 percent) are female.

Does the government support the gaming industry?

Many states promote the development of digital games. The German government also supports the domestic gaming industry, with annual funding having increased from 88 million to 125 million euros since 2026. Funding can amount to up to eight million euros per project.

Do many games developers come from Germany?

Of every 100 euros spent on games in Germany, 5.50 euros goes to German games companies. The industry association is also calling for internationally competitive conditions, including additional tax incentives for the games industry. 

Where does the world’s largest gaming fair take place?

Nowhere else in the world attracts as many fans, games developers and games enthusiasts as Gamescom in Cologne. 357,000 visitors from 128 countries came to Gamescom in Cologne in 2025 – a record figure. There was particularly strong growth in the number of trade visitors from the USA, China, Canada and Japan. In 2026, Gamescom will take place from August 26 to 30 and be opened by Federal Research Minister Dorothee Bär and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil.