Sentiment within the German video games industry is gradually improving. According to a survey by game, 29% of gaming companies in Germany expect the industry to perform better in the next year, while 31% expect a decline. Although scepticism still prevails, this is an improvement on last year.
After three challenging years, games companies in Germany are feeling slightly more optimistic about the future of their industry: nearly one in three companies (29% of respondents) expects the games industry to develop positively over the next 12 months. This figure was only 17% a year ago. Meanwhile, 31% of games companies expect the industry to perform negatively, which is a decline compared to 45% a year ago. 41% remain neutral. These are the findings of the annual game industry barometer, conducted by game – the German Games Industry Association – and published today. The data is based on an online survey in which 202 member firms from the German games industry (including developers and publishers) took part between 12 and 21 November 2025.
Games companies are much more positive about their own economic outlook: over half of games companies in Germany (53%) expect their business to do well in the coming year. This figure was similar in the previous year at 52%. Only 12% expect negative development, compared to 15% a year ago. Nevertheless, companies remain cautious about personnel planning for the time being, with around one in three (32%) expecting to hire new staff (53% are neutral and 15% are negative). Compared to the previous year, there has been little change in this regard.
"Confidence is returning to Germany's games industry," says Felix Falk, Managing Director of game. "Following a difficult phase both here and abroad, positive signals, such as the strong gamescom 2025, and important policy initiatives, like the increased federal games funding and the announced federal tax incentives, are bringing improved prospects and greater optimism compared to a year ago."
