Germany’s Mobile Games Market: Growing Revenue and a Diverse Community

Germany’s Mobile Games Market: Growing Revenue and a Diverse Community

• Mobile games revenue in Germany rises to 2.7 billion euros
• More than 28 million people in Germany play mobile games
• Average age of mobile gamers is 38.8 years

Mobile Games continue to enjoy undiminished popularity in Germany. Revenue from video games for smartphones and tablets grew to approximately 2.7 billion euros in 2025 – an increase of around 3 per cent compared to the previous year, when revenue stood at just under 2.6 billion euros. This continues a growth trend that has been building for several years: since 2021, revenue in the German mobile games market has grown by a total of 25 per cent. The figures were published today by game – The German Games Industry Association, based on data from market research firms YouGov and Sensor Tower. Altogether, 28.1 million people in Germany play mobile games. This widespread interest reflects the broader popularity of the smartphone as the most-used gaming platform in Germany. The mobile gaming community is notable for its diversity in both age and gender: the average age of mobile gamers is 38.8 years, putting it broadly in line with the average age of all people who play video games in Germany (38.3 years). Women account for 56 per cent of mobile players, while men make up 44 per cent.

‘A huge variety of games – from quick, casual titles to sprawling adventure worlds, online multiplayer sessions, and even esports competitions: mobile gaming offers all of this, easily and from anywhere. That accessibility has made these games the most popular way to play in Germany. The fact that 28 million people in Germany play mobile games, across all generations and genders, is a powerful testament to that,’ said Felix Falk, Managing Director of game.

Almost all mobile games revenue in Germany is generated through in-app purchases, which totalled around 2.6 billion euros in 2025 – equivalent to 97 per cent of total mobile games revenue. This high share is largely driven by the free-to-play model that underpins the vast majority of mobile games: game apps are free to download and play, with additional content and expansions available to purchase voluntarily within the game via in-app purchases. Around 56 million euros in revenue comes from fees for online gaming services on smartphones and tablets – including subscription services such as Apple Arcade and Google Play Pass, which provide access to a broad catalogue of game apps and often offer an ad-free experience or access without the need to purchase additional content. Revenue from individual app purchases amounts to 19 million euros, representing one per cent of total revenue.

About the market data

The market data cited is based on surveys conducted by YouGov Shopper and Sensor Tower. YouGov Shopper uses data collection methods for capturing the German digital games market that are unique in quality and global reach. These include, among other things, a continuous survey of 25,000 consumers that is representative of the entire German population, covering their purchasing and usage habits in digital games, as well as a retail panel. The data collection methods provide a unique insight into the German video games market.

Please note: The methodology used to collect data on the mobile market in Germany, including data on game apps and in-app purchases, was fundamentally revised by data provider Sensor Tower in 2025. As a result, the revenue figures stated have changed retrospectively and therefore differ from those communicated in previous years.

From 2025 onwards, YouGov Shopper also includes all people living in Germany in its statistics on video game players in Germany. Up to and including 2024, the market research firm’s demographic data on players in Germany covered only people with German citizenship.

game – The German Games Industry Association

We are the association of the German games industry. Our members represent the entire video game ecosystem, from development studios and publishers to esports event organisers, educational institutions and other related entities. We are co-organisers of gamescom, the world’s biggest event for video games. We are a shareholder in the Entertainment Software Self-Regulation Body (USK), the Foundation for Digital Games Culture, the esports player foundation, game events and the collecting society VHG, as well as co-host of the German Computer Game Awards. Serving as a central point of contact for media, as well as political and social institutions, we provide comprehensive expertise in areas including market development, game culture and media literacy, and address any inquiries or concerns. Together we are making Germany the heart of gaming worldwide. With games, we enrich the lives of all people.