How is the games industry doing in Saxony? A new study provides insights

The study “The Games Industry in Germany 2025” published in January, analyzes the development of the German games industry and examines economic, structural, and international aspects. This allows for the systematic recording and evaluation of the effects of funding.

Saxony is, of course, also included in the study. Since it comprises 93 pages, we’ve summarized the key points for you and taken a closer look at Saxony’s current standing. Spoiler alert: There’s still room for improvement, but we’ll get there.

The study was conducted by Goldmedia on behalf of game – the German Games Industry Association – and funded by the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space. Please see the notes on the study’s methodology at the bottom of the page.

But now let’s get to the details!

• Number of Games Companies: In Saxony, there were 36 games companies in the extended core market at the time the study was conducted. Berlin, Bavaria, and North Rhine-Westphalia lead the way with 262, 223, and 212 companies, respectively. But hey, we’re working on it – with you and for you.
• Regional Funding: While funding commitments from the Central German Media Funding Agency declined slightly in Saxony in 2024 (as well as in Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia), the R42 Games Accelerator program was launched that same year. Saxony is supporting the program with € 900,000, and since 2025, it has provided additional start-up funding. This is an important step in promoting startup activity and the development of the games industry in Saxony.
• Competitiveness: Saxony can also benefit from federal funding to strengthen the local games industry and increase its international competitiveness. This funding could help boost startup activity and increase the number of employees in the region.
• Spillover effects: The games industry in Saxony could serve as a catalyst for other sectors such as industry, education, and research through the use of game engines, AR/VR technologies, and AI.
• Securing skilled workers: The games industry can act as a magnet for international professionals and contribute to strengthening the skilled workforce potential in Saxony.

The study shows that the games industry in Saxony – as in all of Germany, of course – has great potential to establish itself as an internationally competitive location. Long-term and reliable funding, as well as the integration of tax incentives, could be crucial for further strengthening the industry and promoting economic development in Saxony.

Regional funding and integration into international networks are key levers for the sustainable development of the games industry in Saxony.

And when it comes to funding opportunities, you’ve come to the right place. Take a look here to see what’s available for the games industry in Saxony.

You can read the full study (in German), “The Games Industry in Germany 2025,” here.

Notes on the study methodology:
A key component was an online survey conducted nationwide among companies in the games industry in Germany between the end of April and mid-June 2025. A total of 343 out of 1,205 companies participated, representing a response rate of 28 percent. A separate survey, conducted in the summer of 2025, investigated salary structures within the games industry. 106 out of 805 companies participated in this survey (response rate 13 percent). It is important to note that 2024 was chosen as the reference year for both surveys.

In addition, five in-depth interviews were conducted with selected industry experts. The empirical data was supplemented by an analysis of data from gamesmap and the DLR project management agency regarding funding opportunities, as well as extensive secondary data research and analysis (including international location comparisons).