In Germany, approximately 59% of individuals between the ages of 6 and 69 engage in video gaming. The gaming population has grown significantly in recent years, reaching a record high of 37.5 million people who play on consoles, PCs, and smartphones. This marks a roughly 9% increase since 2020, according to new data from game - the German Games Industry Association, based on a survey conducted by YouGov.
One of the most notable trends is the surge in players aged 60 and older. In just one year, the number of gamers in this age group climbed from 6.4 million to 7.7 million. This growth can be attributed both to longtime gamers who have aged with the medium and to a rising number of older individuals who are only now discovering video games. As a result, the average age of gamers in Germany continues to rise, reaching 39.5 in 2024 - up from 38.2 the previous year. Furthermore, adults make up the vast majority of the gaming community, with 79% of players being over 18 years old. Gender distribution among gamers remains steady, with women accounting for 48% and men for 52%.
Felix Falk, Managing Director of game - The German Games Industry Association, said:
"Games fascinate millions of people in Germany - young and old, women and men. The majority of Germans have been playing games for a long time and the number is increasing. The steadily rising average age of gamers is also exciting: we are fast approaching the age of 40. This makes clear what still surprises many people: whether they are 17 or 70, games inspire people of all ages and the proportion of older players is growing particularly strongly."
Despite these increases in player numbers, the German gaming market experienced a slight decline in 2024. Total revenue from video games, gaming hardware, and online services fell to 9.4 billion euros, representing a 6% decrease compared to the previous year. This drop was most evident in the sale of games for PCs, consoles, and smartphones, which declined by 17% to 921 million euros, and in hardware sales, which fell 10% to 2.9 billion euros. However, one area saw continued growth: revenue from online casino gaming services rose by 12% year-on-year, reaching 965 million euros, bucking the overall downward trend.
German Online Casino Market - Growth and Trends in the Future
Projected Revenue: The German online casino market was expected to generate approximately €1.28 billion in 2024, with projections reaching €2.54 billion by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.1% from 2024 to 2030.
Device Usage: While desktop platforms currently dominate revenue generation, mobile devices are the fastest-growing segment, indicating a shift in player preferences towards on-the-go gaming.
Source: https://europeangaming.eu/portal/latest-news/2025/05/14/182438/about-59-of-germans-aged-6-69-play-video-games/
