Computer games market grew by 29 percent

The market for computer games grew strongly in the first half of 2007. Turnover in the market of paddles and paddle games increased by 29% as compared to the first six months of 2006. These figures were recently communicated by the German Association for Information Technology, Telecommunications and New Media (BITKOM). At the same time BITKOM said that turnover would rise even further during the Christmas season.

According to calculations of the association the turnover in paddles, paddle games and computer games is to rise to 2.14 billion Euros by the end of 2007 which would amount to an increase of 21%. These calculations are based on a survey conducted by the GfK market research company and Media Control. This survey’ s findings raise expectations with regard to the »Games Convention” which is going to take place from August 23th to 26th in Leipzig.

Another study called »Digital Games in Germany” looked at how this market may develop in future. This study was carried out jointly in the first half of 2007 by BITKOM and the Ernst & Young consulting firm. The driving forces behind the growth in this market are in particular paddles and paddle games, said experts. On the other side the turnover in computer games is set to remain solid. The importance of handheld games is set to grow. Another important aspect is new target groups. In particular women and elderly people were quite often not given the necessary attention in the past. This has now been realized by industry so that modern game concepts focusing on strategy and emotions have become very popular among women.

Furthermore, the competition between traditional retail trade outlets and online distribution is becoming a crucial topic in this market given that an ever-increasing number of games is available in the form of downloads. The fact that fast internet access is becoming more and more widespread will only further this kind of distribution in future. Thus, in Germany one third of households already have broadband internet access which makes downloads particularly easy. GERMAN

Matomo