Gaming
Smartphones and games consoles excite millions of new players
In 2020, video games were more successful than ever before, as indicated not least by a 32 per cent leap in sales revenue in Germany. Among games platforms, especially the smartphone profited from the games boom. Already the most-used devices for gaming in 2019, with 19.5 million players, mobile phones further increased their lead last year as 22.6 million people in Germany reached for their smartphone to play. This was announced today by game – the German Games Industry Association, on the basis of data provided by the market research firm GfK. Games consoles also won over more players in 2020, registering a rise of 1.1 million users within a year, to 17 million. A look at retail makes clear just how popular games consoles were in 2020: the two new models PlayStation 5 from Sony and Xbox Series X/S from Microsoft, both released in late 2020, and even Nintendo’s Switch, which has been available since 2017, were sold out in many locations. Not every games platform, however, benefitted equally from the games boom. The PC lost around 1.1 million players in Germany, landing in just third place with 15.2 million users. Tablet computers, too, were less in demand, as only 9.9 million game players reached for the flat touchscreens to play in 2020, down from 11.2 million in 2019.
‘Smartphones, especially, profited from the strong interest in games last year,’ says Felix Falk, Managing Director of game. ‘The reason for this is clear: almost everybody has one, and the offerings of smartphone game apps are huge. In addition, most titles are available as free-to-play games, so anyone can quickly start playing free of charge. There was also a real hype around games consoles in 2020, with stocks of the devices repeatedly selling out. That was the case with Nintendo Switch, which has been on the market since 2017, and also for the new consoles PlayStation 5 from Sony and Xbox Series X/S from Microsoft.’
German games market: big jump in sales revenue in 2020
The German games market recorded a strong jump in sales revenue in the Covid-19 year 2020: total sales revenue of around 8.5 billion euros was achieved in computer and video games and associated hardware, as already reported by game. This is an increase of 32 per cent compared to the previous year. Sales of more than 3.2 billion euros were registered with games consoles, gaming PCs and the corresponding peripheral equipment. This is an increase of 26 per cent compared to 2019. The submarket for computer and video games saw even stronger growth, with revenues of 5.2 billion euros achieved through game purchases, in-game and in-app purchases, subscriptions and charges for online services. As a result, this part of the market managed to grow by 36 per cent compared to the previous year.
About the market data
The market data is based on statistics compiled by the GfK Consumer Panel. 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.
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.
Gaming
AI Gives Horses for Courses True Meaning in ‘Owners Club’ Racing Game
Invincible GG, a groundbreaking competitive gaming platform and technology company, has outlined the latest AI developments of its interactive mobile horse racing game, Owners Club, which is set to provide a new injection of interest into the ancient sports of kings.
Following a successful game launch in Q3 2024 and activations at the Doncaster St. Leger and York Ebor festivals, thousands of Owners Club players have started to formulate an expansive game world that gives the masses the true feeling of horse ownership, breeding, and racing experiences.
Being founded on the latest in AI and Web3 technologies allows the game to evolve with more nuance over time, with the former being implemented to enhance users’ strategic horse development and create developing traits and performance benefits that can lead to further self-training opportunities in-game.
Each horse has its own unique, nuanced genetics and racing traits. These can be trained via evolving in-game activity—which will include collaborative intelligence in future releases and passed on to future colts and fillies to create racing dynasties that will stand the test of time while also bringing in lucrative in-game winnings and potential syndicate stud earnings.
Further features include an AI-powered event simulation engine (instead of predetermined RNGs), and sophisticated algorithms that factor in horse health, jockey decisions, and environmental factors that ensure Owners Club races maintain tension and excitement throughout, just as racing fans in the real world would experience from the grandstand.
Jonathan Strause, Invincible GG CEO, said: “Gamers of today want more than static, insular game worlds. They’re looking for immersive experiences in evolving ecosystems, multiplayer competition, and the feeling that they’re fully integrated into the game. Owners Club is offering just that for both current racing enthusiasts and the next generation of racing fans.
“With unrivaled AI integration into the theoretically unlimited stable of in-game horses, combined with back-end Web3 technology that empowers players to easily realize what true thoroughbred ownership and training feels like, Owners Club players can forge their own relationship with horse racing via the gamification of training, racing, and trading in the app, which can only help the future engagement of this ancient pastime.”
Owners Club will be showcased to its biggest live audience yet at the QIPCO British Champions Day on 19th October, 2024, with live races broadcasted as-live to screens around Ascot, with various prizes on offer for the winning owners.
Gaming
Evoplay introduces action-packed skill-based title Adrenaline Rush to wider operator network
Evoplay, the award-winning game development studio, is expanding the availability of its flagship 3D racing title Adrenaline Rush to all of its operator partners, following a successful exclusive release.
Adrenaline Rush combines the thrill of high-speed racing skill-based gaming mechanics, providing an immersive experience for players who enjoy a strategic and competitive edge in their gameplay. Players can engage in intense races where success is determined by both speed and skill, making it a standout title in Evoplay’s diverse portfolio.
Following its main global release on October 8th, Evoplay is set to launch two additional versions of the game, slot title Adrenaline Rush: Super Boost on October 22nd, and crash game Adrenaline Rush: XCrash on November 5th, creating an expanded offering that caters to a variety of player preferences.
Released initially as an exclusive, Adrenaline Rush has already garnered attention for its innovative mechanics and immersive gameplay, earning the Skill Games Supplier award at the prestigious EGR B2B Awards. With this wider release, Evoplay’s global operator network will now be able to offer the title to an even broader audience.
Ivan Kravchuk, CEO at Evoplay, said: “Adrenaline Rush is a one-of-a-kind experience that perfectly blends competitive racing with skill-based gaming. Since its launch, it has resonated strongly with players, and we’re thrilled to now offer this exciting title to all of our operator partners globally.”
“The upcoming releases of the equally popular slot and crash versions will ensure that Adrenaline Rush remains a fan favourite across multiple formats.”
Asia
SuperGaming announces official launch date for Made-in-India-for-the-world battle royale Indus; epic cinematic trailer also unveiled
SuperGaming, India’s leading game development studio, has officially announced the launch date of its highly anticipated Made-in-India-for-the-world battle royale, Indus. Set to release on October 16th, Indus will be available for download on both Android and iOS platforms, via the Google Play Store and iOS App Store respectively offering players an exciting new battle royale experience.
After recently entering open beta, mass testing amongst players across the world coupled with their invaluable feedback has been instrumental in shaping the game’s development. The immensely successful beta phase attracted players into the action-packed world of Indus, building significant momentum ahead of its release. With over 12.5 million pre-registrations on Android alone, Indus is ready to deliver a fresh, thrilling & immersive battle royale experience, setting the stage for one of the biggest game launches out of India this year.
Speaking on the announcement of the much-anticipated launch, Roby John, Co-founder and CEO of SuperGaming, said, “With the launch of Indus, we’re not just introducing a game—we’re presenting a unique take on the battle royale genre to the world. Our vision with Indus has always been to showcase Indian Art and Culture through unique characters, weapons and stories rooted in Indian heritage while also bringing our dual win condition with Cosmium and a never done before “Grudge” feature to a popular game genre. The overwhelming support from our community during the beta phase has helped us fine-tune key aspects of Indus, and we’re excited for the world to experience Indus and see what the SuperGaming team has built”
Alongside the release date announcement, SuperGaming has also unveiled an epic cinematic trailer. It offers an exciting look where players engage in high-stakes combat across a vast and dynamic battleground.
Centered around Adi, the trailer highlights his journey within the world of Virlok. As the leader of his squad, Adi enters Virlok with two goals: to collect the rare resource Cosmium and to settle a personal score with his nemesis, Pokhran. Viewers can witness Adi’s evolution—starting from a novice, training and sharpening his skills, and culminating in an epic showdown where he finally takes down Pokhran, settling his grudge.
Indus brings a fresh twist to the battle royale genre with its dual victory condition. Players can win by either being the last person standing or by strategically collecting Cosmium which spawn in the last circle of Nirvana, adding a new layer of complexity and depth to traditional gameplay.
The trailer also offers a sneak peek into the dynamics of Cosmium collection and Grudge, a unique in-game feature that allows players to settle scores with their opponents. Additionally, the Grudge system allows players to track down and face off against the opponents who defeated them.
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