Digital downloads have firmly established their dominance in the German video game market, now representing a remarkable 70% of all purchases, according to a recent report from the German Games Industry Association (game). This data, gathered by YouGov and released on July 29, reveals a significant shift in consumer behavior, with the share of digital downloads soaring by 8% in 2024, climbing from 60% to an impressive 68%. In contrast, physical media now accounts for just 32% of game purchases.
Digital Trends and Consumer Preferences
The report highlights that nearly all PC games—99%—were acquired digitally in 2024. Meanwhile, digital purchases of console games also saw an upward trend, rising from 40% in 2023 to 44% in 2024. Despite this growth, physical media still holds a substantial share of the console market, comprising 56% of total purchases.
Felix Falk, managing director of game, attributes this surge in digital downloads to the increasing availability of digital-exclusive titles. Notable examples include Baldur’s Gate and Enshrouded, which were launched in early access and were initially available only through digital platforms. Falk remarked, “Buying games as downloads is more popular than ever. Compared to traditional physical media, downloads offer a seamless purchasing experience. The trend towards exclusively digital sales—whether for indie titles, blockbusters, or early access games—is further propelling this shift.” He also noted that while digital downloads are gaining traction, many console players still prefer physical copies, often valuing them as cherished additions to their game collections or as special limited editions.
Age demographics play a significant role in determining purchasing preferences. The report indicates that individuals aged 20 to 29 are leading the charge in digital acquisitions, with 77% of their PC and console games purchased as downloads. Conversely, players aged 50 and above show a stronger inclination towards physical media, accounting for 47% of all physical purchases in 2024—a 6% increase from the previous year.
Despite the rise in digital downloads, the German games industry is experiencing a downturn, with a 4% decline in the number of game companies in 2025 following years of growth. Additionally, total sales revenue from games, gaming hardware, and online services fell by 6% from 2023 to 2024. The report notes a significant 17% decrease in purchases across mobile, PC, and console games, alongside a 10% drop in hardware sales. However, there is a silver lining, as revenue from online gaming services has surged by 12% since 2023, indicating a potential area of growth amidst the overall decline.
