The latest data emerging from Germany paints a concerning picture for the PC gaming sector, revealing a significant downturn in its popularity since 2019. According to a yearly analysis of video gaming trends in this European powerhouse, PC gaming has experienced a notable decline of 20%. In contrast, mobile and tablet gaming have maintained a steady presence, while console gaming has emerged as the sole segment consistently gaining market share year after year.
(Image credit: Game.de)
Consoles have momentum
In this shifting landscape, the major players—Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo—are adapting by releasing optimized versions of their consoles, such as the PlayStation 5 Pro and the Nintendo Switch OLED model. The recent launch of the Switch 2 is anticipated to further invigorate the market, potentially influencing industry figures as we approach 2025. Current statistics reveal that console users in Germany, numbering 20.5 million, are rapidly closing the gap with smartphone gamers, who stand at 22.9 million. While smartphone gaming enjoyed a surge from 2019 to 2020, growth has since plateaued.
PCs falling back
The decline in PC gaming is stark, with YouGov data indicating a 20% drop since 2019. By the end of 2024, Germany had 13.1 million active PC gamers, a decrease of 400,000 from the previous year, marking a continuation of a downward trend. Notably, in 2019, PC gamers outnumbered their console counterparts by 16.3 to 15.9 million; however, that gap has now widened to over 7 million in favor of consoles. It’s important to note that many gamers engage with multiple platforms, with around 19 million individuals in Germany playing on two or more devices.
While the Game.de report does not delve deeply into the reasons behind the disappointing PC gaming figures, it does suggest that the industry is experiencing a pause in growth for 2024. Game sales have reportedly decreased by 17%, with hardware sales down by 10%. The only area showing promise is online gaming services, which have seen a growth of 12%. Potential factors contributing to the decline in PC gaming could include well-documented shortages of exciting new components, particularly graphics processing units (GPUs), which have failed to deliver significant advancements for budget-conscious gamers.
As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, the implications of these trends remain to be seen, particularly in comparison to the U.S. and global markets, where similar data is less readily available. Game.de’s access to YouGov reports underscores its position as a key player within the German gaming industry.