Central Europe
German games market grows by 22 per cent in the first half of 2021
• German games market sees further increase in growth after 2020
• Half of Germans believe that the potential of games is not yet adequately exploited
• Free-to-play games enjoy high levels of acceptance among players
• Around seven million Germans watch gaming live streams, and a third of these do so at least several times a week
Last year’s strong growth of the German games market continued in the first half of 2021: in the first six months of this year, sales revenue in computer and video games and associated hardware grew by 22 per cent year-on-year to a level of 4.6 billion euros. This was announced today by game – the German Games Industry Association at the gamescom press conference. gamescom itself starts this Wednesday evening. This data is based on surveys carried out by the market research companies GfK and App Annie. The strongest drivers of growth include in-game and in-app purchases: the revenue from these services grew by 34 per cent to around 2 billion euros in the first half of the year. The high demand for games hardware such as games consoles, graphic cards, etc. generated revenue growth of 24 per cent to around 1.7 billion euros. Charges for online networks also considerably boosted revenues, rising by 18 per cent to 378 million euros in the first half of 2021.
‘The demand for games and corresponding hardware remains strong this year following the surge in 2020. In particular, the springtime shutdowns during the coronavirus pandemic saw many people in Germany reach for their smartphone, games console and PC in order to play games and have fun with other people,’ says game Managing Director Felix Falk. ‘As well as being first-rate entertainment, games also offer huge potential for dealing with the challenges of our age, such as the coronavirus pandemic, climate change or the digitalisation of our society. Unfortunately, this potential is still insufficiently exploited in Germany – a situation that more than half of Germans currently believe to be a problem. With German parliamentary elections on the horizon, this should be a clear signal to politicians to improve the framework conditions for the games industry and to further leverage the potential of games for our society and economy in future.’
Half of Germans believe that the potential of games is not yet being adequately exploited
This year’s gamescom is raising awareness of the huge potential of games under the guiding principle of ‘Games: The New Normal’. Computer and video games not only make millions of people happy every day, they have long been used in companies, schools, retirement homes and museums. Whether environmental protection, health or for using the coronavirus app: 50 per cent of Germans believe that the huge potential of games is not yet being adequately exploited in Germany. More than half of Germans agree with the statement that games can help inculcate environmentally aware behaviour by simulating the consequences of environmentally damaging actions. Almost as many people agree with the statement that gamification can motivate people to move more in their everyday lives and eat more healthily, and can contribute to a healthy lifestyle as a result. Nearly four out of ten Germans see the deployment of gamification as an opportunity to increase the acceptance and use of digital solutions such as the coronavirus app.
Free-to-play games enjoy high levels of acceptance
Never before have so many games been available to play for so little money. gamescom highlights this development with the trend ‘more games for less money’. Free-to-play games are one of the main reasons for this trend, in addition to the burgeoning array of increasingly extensive subscription services that give users access to the latest blockbuster and indie games for just a few euros per month. Because they are free of charge while incorporating optional additional purchases, free-to-play games enjoy high levels of acceptance among video game players. Around three quarters of all players in Germany have played free-to-play games without spending any money on them. Just under six out of ten players believe such games to be better than having to pay a fixed amount of money in advance. Around half of players consider in-game purchases – which enable the free-to-play games to finance themselves – to be fair because they are optional and are a means of funding the development of the games.
Live-streaming as a ‘campfire for the digital age’
This year’s ‘live-streaming’ trend at gamescom refers to a phenomenon of games culture that has experienced uncommonly high growth over recent years. Live broadcasts on platforms such as Twitch, YouTube or Facebook Gaming that actively involve the community have long been regarded as the campfire of the digital age. Over seven million people in Germany use corresponding platforms for gaming live streams, and a third of them do so at least several times a week. Additionally, many other subject areas such as cooking, talk formats or sports events – and not just gaming – are hugely popular on the platforms. The special feature of the live streams on these platforms is the direct communication between creator and community, and it is this interaction that is the entertaining factor. gamescom also utilises live-streaming to delight millions of fans around the world with shows such as gamescom: Opening Night Live or gamescom: Awesome Indies, with talk formats such as the gamescom studio and also live streams from a host of partners.
About the data
Please note: GfK has adjusted its definition of hardware designed for games, with the result that the market size comes out higher – also for the figures already reported last year for the first half of 2020.
The market data is based on statistics compiled by the GfK Consumer Panel and App Annie. The methods used by GfK to collect data on Germany’s video games market are unique in terms of both their quality and their global use. They include an ongoing survey of 25,000 consumers who are representative of the German population as a whole regarding their video game purchasing and usage habits, as well as a retail panel. The data collection methods provide a unique insight into the German market for computer and video games.
The survey data used is based on an online survey by YouGov Deutschland GmbH in which 2,052 persons participated between 3 and 5 August 2021. 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 include developers, publishers and many other games industry actors such as esports event organisers, educational establishments and service providers. As a joint organiser of gamescom, we are responsible for the world’s biggest event for computer and video games. We are an expert partner for media and for political and social institutions, and answer questions relating to market development, games culture and media literacy. Our mission is to make Germany the best games location.
For the 21st time, the European Brand Institute has presented the most valuable and sustainable brand companies in Austria. The international gaming technology group with more than 25,300 employees worldwide and activities in more than 120 countries secured the top positions in both the EBI’s Brand Value and Sustainable Brand Ranking.
With a brand value increase by +8.7% to EUR 3.745 billion, NOVOMATIC took an excellent second place in the brand value study and also recorded the largest increase in value within one year among the country’s top 10. Once again this year, only Red Bull ranks ahead of the Lower Austrian global player.
Significant factors for the brand value assessment were not only the high level of innovation, but also the international expansion course, sales growth and the comprehensive corporate responsibility and ESG programme, which is confirmed by international ESG rating agencies. Against this background, NOVOMATIC was also able to impress in the Sustainable Brand Ranking, in which the company took third place for the first time. This ranking underlines NOVOMATIC’s contribution to sustainable economic development in Austria.
“The renewed top position in the Brand Value Ranking 2024 is confirmation of the long-term success of our global brand strategy, which has enabled us to sustainably consolidate our leading position on the international markets. The rise to third place in the Sustainable Brand Ranking is particularly pleasing and shows that we are also setting new standards in the area of social and ecological responsibility with our comprehensive ESG commitment,” said NOVOMATIC Executive Board Member Stefan Krenn.
The Austrian Brand Value Study, which is based on the annual “trend-TOP500 of Austria’s top-selling companies” and identifies those Austrian corporate brands with more than 45% of their shares in Austrian hands, evaluated a total of 180 Austrian brand companies from 16 sectors in 2024. The brand value is determined in accordance with the international standards ISO 10668 and ISO 2067.
The top rankings in the Austrian Brand Value Study and in the Sustainable Brand Ranking confirm NOVOMATIC’s position as one of Austria’s leading brand companies. The gaming technology group is thus once again setting a strong example for sustainable business practices.
The post NOVOMATIC is Austria’s Second Most Valuable Brand Company appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Central Europe
Bragg Gaming Continues Global Expansion, Powers Kingsbet.cz Launch with an End-to-End iGaming Solution
Bragg Gaming Group has launched its full turnkey solution with Czech land-based casino operator Kings Entertainment A.S. (Kings). Kings will operate their online business in the Czech Republic under the brand Kingsbet.
Under the terms of the agreement signed between the two parties, Bragg will provide Kingsbet with Player Account Management (PAM) technology, exclusive content from Bragg studios, aggregated online casino content via the Bragg HUB and a fully localised sportsbook integration in partnership with Altenar.
Bragg provides Kingsbet with an all-in-one solution with powerful automation and marketing tools to seamlessly run its casino and sportsbook operations.
Bragg’s FUZE player engagement toolset for casino and sportsbook is also included, helping boost acquisition, conversion and retention with tools such as Free rounds, Missions, Quests, Journeys, Recommendation engine and Jackpots.
Kingsbet will additionally be supported by managed marketing and operational services delivered by Bragg.
The agreement and subsequent launch is the latest in a string of deals that Bragg has struck to provide its technology solutions to operators across global regulated iGaming markets, and is the Company’s second PAM and turnkey partner in the Czech Republic.
Bragg Group Chief Executive Officer Matevž Mazij said: “We are proud to be chosen to support Kings Entertainment, a leading European entertainment, casino and poker brand with our full-service turnkey solution as they transition their market leading Czech operations online.”
“The new regulations make this an exciting time to be in the Czech market,” Mazij added.
David Vaněk, Chief Executive Officer of Kingsbet, said: “Over the past 8 months, both teams worked very hard to prepare the launch of “kingsbet.cz” ahead of the EURO championship. I’m proud that we are the first licensed betting and gaming operator in the Czech Republic who have undergone a rigorous and very demanding licensing process and are currently the sole operator fully compliant with the new Gambling Act, effective as of January 2024.
“Kingsbet will offer players ‘The King’s experience’ in sports betting and casino, and we plan to launch a Live casino product by the end of this year. Bragg’s platform will enable us to enter the Czech market with powerful tools and a highly competitive product offering.”
Founded in 2003, Kings Entertainment operates three land-based casinos: the Kings Rozvadov, Admiral Rozvadov and Hilton Prague properties. At Kings casino in Rozvadov, known as the biggest poker arena in Europe and a premier gaming destination, a variety of poker tournaments including W.S.O.P. are held attracting more than 500,000 visitors per year.
Kings has a 40% share of the Czech land-based casino market and now has ambitious plans to expand into online gambling, an expansion which will be supported by Bragg technology and expertise.
The Czech online casino market is projected to achieve approximately $1 billion in gross win in 2024, according to H2 Gambling Capital. This figure represents growth of 30% on a year-over-year basis from 2023’s figures.
Under previous Czech gambling regulations, operators were only able to offer online RNG games explicitly licensed under the Czech Gambling Act.
Following pressure from operators, this list was widened to include live dealer games (live casino), an amendment which came into force on January 1, 2024.
The inclusion of live dealer games was one of a number of amendments made to existing Czech gambling laws, the most wide-ranging of which was the introduction of a new streamlined licensing regime for operators.
The post Bragg Gaming Continues Global Expansion, Powers Kingsbet.cz Launch with an End-to-End iGaming Solution appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
An award-winning iGaming platform provider, GR8 Tech, opened its newest hub in Warsaw, Poland, on June 6, 2024. As a company committed to a remote-first model since the pandemic, GR8 Tech continues to support its diverse international staff by offering flexible and comfortable working conditions. In addition to assisting in home office arrangements, the company also provides local hubs in target locations where employees are concentrated and hiring activities are underway.
These hubs, available in several locations across Europe, including Cyprus, the Czech Republic, and, from now on, Poland, offer employees the opportunity to work in an office-like environment if they choose. This initiative is part of GR8 Tech’s ongoing efforts to ensure that its employees have the best possible working conditions in any location they choose to work from—efforts that have been recently recognized with the “Best Workplace 2024” title by SiGMA Americas Awards.
The new Warsaw hub will serve as a convenient workspace for the 80+ specialists already located in Poland and all new employees joining the company. It will also be available to any GR8 Tech employees traveling internationally who require a professional environment to work from.
The opening of the Warsaw hub aligns with GR8 Tech’s broader strategic activities across Europe and specifically in Poland. Recently, GR8 Tech participated in the largest Polish IT festival, Code Europe, held on June 10-11 in Krakow, as the technology partner, with GR8 Tech’s Chief Talent Officer, Tetiana Davydova, holding a talk on “Mastering the Science of Negotiation: Secrets to Successful Dialogue in Tech” at the event. GR8 Tech will also participate in the Devoxx conference in Krakow on June 19-22 as a partner. The company’s Deputy CTO, Pawel Grzegrzolka, will hold a talk on “Integrating quality gates in IaC”.
To learn more about GR8 Tech and its upcoming activities, visit the company’s website and join its communities on LinkedIn and Facebook for business-related topics or Instagram for the highlights of the GR8 work environment.
About GR8 Tech
GR8 Tech is an international iGaming provider of high-performance Sportsbook and Casino platform. Holder of the “Best Workplace 2024” title by SiGMA Americas, “Best Online Sportsbook Provider 2024” by SiGMA Eurasia, and, most recently, “Rising Star Provider of the Year” by Affpapa iGaming Awards.
GR8 Tech’s flagship product, GR8 Sportsbook, renowned for its exceptional event coverage and robust feed, manages heavy user loads with real-time anti-fraud processing and advanced margin management capabilities. Complementing the Sportsbook, GR8 Tech’s portfolio includes the GR8 Casino platform and vital standalone products like CRM, payment gateway, player account management, etc.
Focused on the personalized approach and lifetime partnership, GR8 Tech perfectly alleviates iGaming operators’ challenges by delivering customized, scalable solutions that evolve with business growth.
The post GR8 Tech Opens New Hub in Warsaw, Poland appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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