Additional games originating from Germany?
The German government is set to strengthen its support for the domestic game development industry, with negotiations underway for tax incentives aimed at relieving local companies of taxes and fostering growth.
Politicians from various factions, including the CDU/CSU, SPD, Greens, and state ministers, have signaled their approval for the plan. Notable supporters include CDU Bundestag MP Joachim Ebmeyer and SPD coalition colleague Holger Mann, who believe the federal government can afford tax breaks as they are crucial for enabling investments that will drive the German economy forward.
The gaming industry is experiencing growth in the internet age, with visual possibilities improving thanks to new technology. Successful German games such as "Anno 1800" from Ubisoft, "Enshrouded" from Keen Games, and "Hunt Showdown" from Crytek, have already made a significant impact.
However, German game manufacturers currently face a cost disadvantage of around 30 percent compared to their international counterparts. Less than five percent of the money spent on games in Germany goes to games from the Federal Republic. This disparity has led to a strong gaming industry in countries like France, Canada, and Britain, who have had tax relief for a long time.
The federal minister promoting the gaming industry in Germany is currently negotiating with the Federal Ministry of Finance and the federal states about tax incentives. As of August 2025, no specific Bundesministerin responsible for these negotiations has been explicitly identified in the search results.
The Greens support tax incentives for gaming companies, viewing them as a targeted investment in the future of the economic location Germany. Green Bundestag MP Andrea Lübcke views gaming as a significant cultural asset and one of the central innovation and growth industries of the 21st century.
The goal is to create a system where game manufacturers can claim certain costs and pay less tax, which is intended to stimulate investments. Industry expert Malte Behrmann views the federal government's plans positively but calls for a different orientation of funding policy, favoring game companies that tax their profits in Germany.
NRW Minister of Culture Nathanael Liminski (CDU) sees such a system as a promising investment in the German gaming location. He believes it could attract foreign developer studios and create jobs, potentially increasing tax revenues.
This year, the federal government has already increased its support for German game developers with direct subsidies of 88 million euros, and plans to increase this to 125 million euros by 2026. Federal Research Minister Dorothee Bär (CSU) has stated that they are working "at full speed" on this, negotiating with the Federal Ministry of Finance and the federal states.
As the gaming industry continues to grow and evolve, these tax incentives could provide a much-needed boost to German game developers, helping them compete on a global scale and contribute even more to the German economy.
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