Europe’s gaming market is undergoing a clear digital acceleration, as the latest data show that digital purchases dominated revenue in 2024. A comprehensive European study reveals that 90% of all gaming revenue came from digital channels, while physical sales sank to just 10%. The trend is driven by mobile gaming, PC digital storefronts, and console ecosystems that increasingly rely on digital distribution, subscriptions, and cloud access. As 2025 unfolds, publishers and platforms are doubling down on digital strategies and monetization models, from seasonal content to cross-platform bundles. The shift isn’t only about where players buy; it reshapes how developers plan releases, how retailers manage inventory, and how audiences discover games in an era of rapid device diversification and evolving price dynamics. This report also highlights how platform ecosystems—ranging from mobile app stores to dedicated PC and console storefronts—are becoming the primary gateways for game access and licensing in Europe. Image credit: Razer
Digital Purchases Account For 90% Of European Gaming Revenue In 2024: Implications For 2025
The European market moved decisively toward digital distribution in 2024, with digital purchases representing 90% of total gaming revenue. Physical purchases fell to 10%, a shift that has accelerated since 2020 when physical sales still accounted for a sizeable portion of revenue. This transition reflects not only consumer preferences but also how publishers optimize monetization through downloads, DLC, and renewal models. In 2025, those trends are continuing, with a growing emphasis on convenience, instant access, and platform-specific ecosystems that maximize revenue per user. For readers tracking the economics of gaming, these results underscore why digital storefronts and licensing strategies matter more than ever. For more context, see industry glossaries and market analyses, such as glossaries and market analyses linked here: Video Game Glossary and Rising Costs Of Video Games. The shift also shapes how players interact with storefronts like PlayStation Store, Steam, and Epic Games Store, among others in Europe.
In 2024, revenue growth held steady at around 4% YoY, with digital channels driving the bulk of those gains. The split by platform shows mobile leading the charge at 44%, followed by console at 38%, and PC at 15%. The remaining share covers on-demand or streaming services. These figures reinforce the acceleration of digital-first strategies across devices and service models, from streaming bundles to subscription-based access. In 2025, expect continued consolidation around digital storefronts and cloud-enabled access, which will further reduce the role—and the visibility—of physical media in everyday gaming. For a broader look at how digital channels are reshaping distribution, see the ongoing discussion at the process of creating a video game and Xbox Evolution in gaming transformation.
Image credit: Razer
- Digital-first monetization continues to outpace physical sales, driving more frequent purchases and DLC uptake.
- Retailers and platforms must optimize digital storefronts for discovery, conversion, and cross-platform entitlements.
- Consumer access hinges on platform ecosystems such as PlayStation Store, Steam, and Nintendo eShop, which increasingly shape consumer behavior.
- Developers prioritize rapid releases and post-launch content to sustain revenue per user.
- Industry watchers should monitor how price changes and bundles influence demand in 2025, including shifts in the publicly discussed costs of titles and add-ons.
The data points above illustrate a persistent trend toward digital channels, reinforcing the idea that physical game sales will continue to wane in many European markets. For readers seeking a broader economic lens, explore related analyses on game pricing and market dynamics at Xbox price increase and rising costs in video games.
Platform Mix In 2024: Mobile, Console, And PC Under The Lens
Platform distribution reveals a clear hierarchy in revenue contribution: mobile dominates at around 44%, followed by console at 38%, while PC accounts for roughly 15% of European gaming revenue. This distribution aligns with a broader shift toward digital game access and on-demand services. A notable nuance is the slight decline in PC gamer share (from 46% in 2023 to 43% in 2024), suggesting a churn effect or platform fatigue among PC players even as PC titles remain strong sellers in digital stores. Console engagement rose modestly, even as the absolute audience for console gaming grew, indicating a resilient but uneven market momentum across devices. For more on platform dynamics, you can consult industry notes such as video game addiction and engagement studies and exclusive strategies for PlayStation.
That same year, the share of PC gamers in Europe dipped slightly, even as the PC gaming revenue held up due to strong titles and ongoing digital sales. The parallel trend—increase in console participation but flat revenue—suggests a shift in how players value hardware cycles versus digital access.
- The biggest revenue drivers continue to be mobile and console ecosystems.
- PC remains essential for certain genres and titles, but its overall market share is compressing.
- Digital distribution channels must optimize cross-platform licensing and entitlements.
Implications For Stores, Consumers, And Developers
With 90% of revenue coming from digital purchases, the competitive landscape among storefronts intensifies. Players increasingly rely on digital marketplaces to discover new releases, download updates, and manage licenses across devices. For publishers and developers, ensuring seamless entitlement management, cross-buy options, and flexible pricing becomes crucial. Below are key distribution channels to watch and their roles in 2025:
- PlayStation Store – continuing to drive first-party digital sales and bundles for PS5 titles.
- Xbox Live – expanding digital subscriptions and cross-buy opportunities for first- and third-party titles.
- Nintendo eShop – consolidating indie and major releases with wallet-friendly digital options.
- Steam – remaining a primary hub for PC digital distribution and content updates.
- Epic Games Store – pushing exclusivity and free-to-play monetization models to attract users.
- Apple App Store – shaping mobile game monetization and in-app purchase strategies for iOS users.
- Google Play Games – expanding cloud gaming access and subscription-based models for Android users.
- Ubisoft Store – integrating within Ubisoft’s cross-platform ecosystem and loyalty programs.
- EA Play – leveraging subscription access to a broad catalog of EA titles across platforms.
- GOG.com – continuing to appeal to PC gamers with DRM-free options and classic catalog revivals.
To understand the broader economic context, read about how costs are evolving in the industry, and how price changes affect consumer behavior: Xbox price increase and rising costs in video games. For more on how game creation and licensing work, see the process of creating a video game and Xbox evolution in gaming transformation.
In 2025, consumer access is increasingly shaped by digital bundles, cloud gaming access, and cross-platform licensing. The impact on developers is clear: adapt release cadences, invest in post-launch content, and optimize storefront performance to maximize visibility and revenue across PlayStation Store, Steam, Nintendo eShop, and other major channels. The shift also underscores the importance of flexible pricing, regional promotions, and localization strategies to sustain growth across European markets.
Image credit: Razer
What To Track In 2025: Opportunities And Risks
- Share of digital revenue by region and platform, with a focus on growth in mobile-first markets.
- Impact of price changes and bundles on demand, especially in Steam, PlayStation Store, and Xbox Live.
- Adoption of cloud gaming and cross-buy strategies across Nintendo eShop and Epic Games Store.
- Shifts in PC gamer demographics and the balance between digital and physical availability in specific titles and genres.
- Regulatory and consumer dynamics that influence licensing and entitlement management across platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does it mean that digital purchases account for 90% of European gaming revenue?
It signals a long-term shift away from physical copies toward downloads, licenses, and cloud access. For players, this often translates to faster access and easier license management, while publishers rely on recurring revenue from DLC, bundles, and subscriptions.
- Are PC games still important in Europe in 2025?
Yes, but the share of revenue from PC platforms is smaller relative to mobile and console digital channels. PC remains essential for many genres, but market dynamics favor digital distribution and cross-platform access over traditional physical releases.
- Which stores dominate digital distribution in Europe?
Key platforms include PlayStation Store, Steam, Nintendo eShop, Epic Games Store, Apple App Store, and Google Play Games, with additional influence from Ubisoft Store, EA Play, and GOG.com.
- Will 2025 bring reversals in digital share or price changes?
While wholesale reversals are unlikely in the near term, gradual price adjustments, new monetization models, and bundling could modulate demand. The market trend clearly favors digital access and service-based monetization.