German Mobile Gamers Spent €2.9 Billion in 2023, with 98% Via In-App Purchases
In 2023, mobile gamers in Germany spent a total of €2.9 billion, marking a 4% increase from the previous year and nearly doubling the €1.49 billion spent in 2018. According to data from the German Games Industry Association (Game) and data.ai, a staggering €2.885 billion, or 98%, of this revenue came from in-app purchases.
Breakdown of Mobile Game Revenue
- In-app purchases: €2.885 billion (98%)
- Online gaming services: €43 million (1%)
- Individual upfront mobile game sales: €5 million (less than 1%)
Player Demographics
The number of mobile gamers in Germany grew to 24.6 million in 2023, up from 24.3 million in 2022. The demographic breakdown revealed:
- Gender: 52% women
- Average age: 40 years
Market Trends
Felix Falk, the managing director of Game, commented on the continuous growth and popularity of mobile games among Germans. He noted the diverse appeal of mobile games, which attract both experienced gamers and those new to gaming.
"Games apps for smartphones and tablets are very popular among Germans. Although we’ve been witnessing the unstoppable rise of the smartphone for almost a decade and a half, this is still an area of the game market that continues to grow. Mobile games often attract people with little or no experience of playing video games," said Falk. "The mobile gaming market has grown hugely over recent years: alongside classic casual games for spare moments, complex games and even esports titles are now also firmly established. This variety is unique and one of the strengths of games apps."
Overall Video Games Market
Germany's video games market as a whole also experienced growth, generating €9.97 billion across hardware, services, and games, with the main drivers being, In-app purchases, Game console sales and Accessories
These areas contributed to a 6% growth rate in 2023, compared to a mere 1% increase in 2022. However, the market for video game PCs and laptops saw declines in some sectors.
The data highlights the robust and expanding nature of the mobile gaming market in Germany, driven predominantly by in-app purchases. This growth reflects broader trends in the gaming industry, showing a shift towards mobile platforms and the increasing popularity of gaming apps among a diverse and growing audience.