7 in 10 German game purchases are now digital downloads

Digital downloads now account for 7 out of 10 video game purchases in Germany, a new report has found.

According to a report by the German Games Industry Association (game), based on data collected by YouGov and published on July 29, the share of digital downloads in Germany increased by 8% in 2024, from 60% to 68% – setting a new record – with 32% of games purchased as physical media.

The report also found that around 99% of PC games in Germany were bought digitally in 2024, with the number of digital console purchases rising from 40% in 2023 to 44% in 2024.

However, most console purchases remain physical, with physical media making up 56% of the German market’s purchases.

Game’s report noted that this growth in digital download purchases is partly due to a rise in digital-exclusive titles.

The organisation highlights Baldur’s Gate and Enshrouded as examples of popular games that were released in early access (and so were only available digitally) or had an initial period of digital-only distribution.

“Buying games as downloads is more popular than ever,” said Felix Falk, managing director of game.

“Compared to the classic physical media available through retailers, downloads are a very easy way for people to buy games. The trend towards exclusively digital sales – whether of indie, blockbuster or, more recently, early access games – is further driving the prevalence of downloads. At the same time, console players, especially, are still opting for games on physical media. These remain highly popular as additions to the game collections on the players’ shelves, for example, or as special limited editions.”

Falk went on to explain in the report that age is a factor in whether a player buys a game physically or digitally.

Game’s report found that 20 to 29-year-olds buy 77% of their PC and console games as digital downloads. In contrast, physical media is more popular among players aged 50 to 50-year-olds, who made up 47% of German PC and console physical purchases in 2024 – a 6% rise from the previous year.

The German games industry has seen a decline in growth, with the number of games companies falling by 4% in 2025 following “years of growth” and the total sales revenue from games, gaming hardware, and online gaming services in Germany dropping 6% from 2023 to 2024.

According to game’s report, 2024’s dip saw a 17% drop in the purchases of games for mobile, PC, and console, and a 10% drop in hardware purchases. However, revenue from online gaming services rose 12% since 2023.