Gaming: Almost every PC game is bought as a download

Video games are increasingly being purchased via digital distribution channels. The industry association game reports on this based on Yougov figures. According to these figures, 68% of all games purchased in Germany in 2024 were bought as downloads. Compared to 2023, this is an increase of 8 percent, writes the industry association.

The distribution between downloads and data carriers depends heavily on the platform: on PCs, digital versions of video games are clearly in the lead: according to game, 99% of all games purchased here are purchased as downloads. This figure has been extremely high for years – In 2023, it was 98% according to game, and 97% in 2022. Meanwhile, disc versions are still just ahead on consoles: 56% are still purchased on data carriers on Playstation, Xbox and Switch. In 2023, it was still 60 percent.

There are several reasons for the continued increase in game downloads. Sufficient internet access for downloads is no longer a problem for most people. In addition, many titles simply no longer offer a choice: indie games, which are particularly popular on PCs, are generally not available on disc. But even highly successful blockbuster games are no longer released securely on data carriers: "Baldur's Gate 3", for example, the game of the year 2023, was only sold digitally for a long time. A collector's edition on disc only followed later.

Data carriers are also being sidelined on games consoles: Consoles such as the PS5 Pro and the Xbox Series S are coming onto the market without a drive. The advantage for manufacturers is that they have more control over the marketplace: In their own digital store, Sony and Microsoft can not only have a say, but also earn money. Developers who sell their games there have to pay a commission to the platform operators. Disc drives have long been a rarity in PCs.

"Compared to traditional retail data carriers, downloads are a particularly easy way for many people to purchase games. The trend towards exclusive digital distribution, whether of indie games, blockbuster titles or the increasingly popular early access games, is driving the popularity of downloads even further," comments game Managing Director Felix Falk on the figures. "At the same time, gamers are turning to data carriers, especially for console games, as these are still particularly popular as an addition to the game collection on the shelf or as limited special editions."

The decision between data carriers and downloads also remains a generational issue: young gamers between the ages of 20 and 29 only buy 23% of their games on data carriers. People aged between 50 and 59, on the other hand, only just prefer downloads: they still buy 47% of their games on a data carrier.

The game survey is based on market data from YouGov, Nielsen and Sensor Tower. Among other things, 25,000 Germans were asked about their purchasing behavior to obtain the figures. Data from a retail panel was also included in the analysis.