Germans’ interest in mobile games for smartphones and tablets continues to rise

• Sales of mobile games grow by 31 per cent
• In 2018, mobile games generated 1.5 billion euros in sales revenue in Germany
• German games market grows to 4.4 billion euros
 
Berlin, 8 May 2019 – Mobile games for smartphones and tablets continue to gain popularity: sales of games for mobile devices in Germany grew to 1.5 billion euros in 2018. This represents an increase of 31 per cent compared with 2017. These are the figures released today by game – the German Games Industry Association, based on data collected by mobile analysts from App Annie. So-called in-app purchases remain the growth engines, driving sales especially of free-to-play games. These are titles that can be downloaded and played free of charge, with players spending money only on additional content, for example to individualise their own playing character. Sales in the form of mobile games purchased in the traditional manner held steady at 15 million euros. The average age of mobile gamers is 36.1 years.
 
‘Germans’ interest in mobile games continues to grow – this is underscored by the strong market development in this area,’ says game Managing Director Felix Falk. ‘In the initial years, the success of mobile games was based above all on the low barrier to entry. People were excited to be able to play on their mobile devices. Today it’s the great variety that’s generating growth. Whether you’re looking for simple games for moments in-between, innovative augmented reality games or even esports titles, every type of player can find the right title here.’

German games market grows by 9 per cent

The German games market grew significantly in 2018, as already announced by game: sales of games and gaming hardware totalled 4.4 billion euros in 2018, up from 4 billion euros in 2017. This equates to an increase of 9 per cent. The largest growth driver was online service fees, sales of which almost doubled within a year to 353 million euros (+97 per cent). The market segment of in-game purchases, which includes in-app purchases, likewise contributed greatly to the growth, increasing by 28 per cent to 1.9 billion euros.

About the market data

The data used is based on statistics compiled by App Annie and the GfK Consumer Panel. Please note that, due to a change of service providers and an associated change in methodology, current data cannot be compared with the market data published in 2018.

game – the German Games Industry Association

We are the association of the German games industry. Our members include developers, publishers and many other games industry actors such as esports event organisers, educational establishments and service providers. As a joint organiser of gamescom, we are responsible for the world’s biggest event for computer and video games. We are an expert partner for media and for political and social institutions, and answer questions relating to market development, games culture and media literacy. Our mission is to make Germany the leading location for game development.

Press contact:

Martin Puppe
game – Verband der deutschen Games-Branche e. V.
Charlottenstraße 62
10117 Berlin
Germany
Phone: +49 (0)30 2408779-20
Email: martin.puppe@game.de
www.game.de
Twitter: @game_verband
Facebook.com/game.verband
Instagram: game_verband

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