Books and comics based on computer and video games are popular in Germany. Twenty-four per cent of Germans have read a book or comic of this kind at least once. Around nine out of ten Germans who are interested in these books want to find out more about the backstory of the games they are based on.
Novels, short stories and comics based on games, or offering new perspectives on gaming worlds, appeal to millions of readers in Germany. This is according to the results of a representative survey conducted by game - the German Games Industry Association, in collaboration with the market research company YouGov. The survey involved 2,047 people aged 16 and over, and was conducted in November 2025. Around a quarter (24%) of Germans aged 16 and over have read a book or comic based on computer and video games. This equates to 17 million people. Among Germans aged 16-44, the figure is as high as four out of ten (39%) on average. Around 11 million Germans (16%) have never read such books or comics, but are interested in doing so in the future.
Felix Falk, Managing Director game - The German Games Industry Association: "Games no longer end on the screen. With their multi-layered, thrilling worlds and impressive characters, an increasing number of computer and video games are providing exciting templates for books and comics that captivate millions of people. Games that successfully adapt literary works often stimulate further interest in the original books. The two areas complement each other perfectly: I get to learn more about my favourite characters and experience stories that interest me from a new perspective. That's what makes games such a popular recommendation right now!"
But why are books and comics about games interesting in the first place? Around 9 out of 10 people interested in such works (88%) would like to learn more about the stories' backgrounds. Almost 87% would like to follow the development of game characters in books or comics. Books about games are exciting for 86% of readers and interested parties because they offer a fresh perspective on familiar game worlds and enable readers to follow the stories from the games. Around 85% of people say that literary works related to games extend the gaming experience beyond the actual playing.
