Millions of Germans look forward to Christmas events in games

• Around 18 million Germans plan to take part in Christmas events in video games this year
• Players in all age groups show great enthusiasm for the in-game holiday events
• One third of players in Germany have met with others digitally in games to celebrate Christmas

Game worlds full of snowflakes and Christmas lights, Santa skin in place of armour or virtual snowball fights instead of swordplay: special Christmas events in video games are a highly entertaining way to combine holiday magic with players’ favourite hobby. This year, more than 1 in 3 players in Germany aged 16 or older (38 per cent) want to take part in Christmas events in games. This equates to around 18 million people. These are the results of a representative survey by game – The German Games Industry Association in cooperation with the market research firm YouGov.

Players between 25 and 34 years of age are especially excited about the prospect of celebrating Christmas in their favourite game: 6 of 10 of them (60 per cent) intend to participate in in-game holiday events. But anticipation is high among players aged 55 or older as well, with about 1 in 5 (17 per cent) planning to take part in such events this year.

For many players, video games represent an additional form of social festivity at Christmas. Through the in-game seasonal events or simply by playing games with and against one another online, players can celebrate the holiday with friends from around the world. Indeed, about one third of players in Germany (31 per cent) have met with others digitally in games to celebrate Christmas together.

About the data:

The data used is based on an online survey of 2,015 people conducted between 11 and 14 November 2024 by YouGov Deutschland GmbH on behalf of game – The German Games Industry Association. The results were weighted and are representative of the German population aged 16 and older.

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 computer and 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.