Belgium’s Gaming Market Navigates a Digital Shift: What’s Next?
Belgium’s video game market experienced a slight dip in 2025, reaching €646 million in revenue, down from €698 million the previous year. This shift, as reported by the Video Games Federation Belgium (VGFB), signals a broader trend: the continued dominance of digital downloads and the evolving landscape of game retail.
The Decline of Physical Sales and the Rise of Digital
The decline in overall revenue is largely attributed to a decrease in the sale of physical games and accessories. Physical sales now account for only 25% of the market, while digital downloads comprise the remaining 75%. This isn’t a uniquely Belgian phenomenon; globally, consumers are increasingly opting for the convenience and accessibility of digital game purchases.
The closure of all Game Mania stores at the finish of 2024 likely exacerbated this trend, particularly in Flanders, where the retailer had a strong presence. However, digital game sales for consoles and PCs saw a modest 1% increase compared to 2024, now representing 38% of total revenue. This includes full game downloads, in-game purchases, downloadable content, and subscription services.
Mobile Gaming: A Consistent Performer
While the broader market experienced a slight downturn, mobile gaming continues to thrive in Belgium. With 148 million downloads, mobile games account for 26% of total revenue – a 3% increase. Roblox has emerged as a standout title, ranking second in both downloads and profitability on mobile platforms. Its popularity extends to consoles and PCs, securing a third-place ranking for playtime.
Console and Accessory Sales Remain Stable
Despite the shift towards digital, sales of video game accessories and consoles remained stable, accounting for 25% of total revenue. A total of 675,891 console and PC accessories and 253,466 consoles were sold. The Nintendo Switch 2 quickly rose to become the second best-selling console, surpassing the original Switch, while the PlayStation 5 maintained its leading position from the previous year.
What Drives These Changes and What Can We Expect?
Several factors are contributing to these shifts. The increasing availability of high-speed internet, the convenience of digital storefronts, and the growing popularity of subscription services like Xbox Game Pass are all playing a role. Consumers are also becoming more comfortable with the idea of owning games digitally, rather than physically.
The Impact of Game Subscription Services
Subscription services are reshaping how people access games. Instead of purchasing individual titles, players can pay a monthly fee for access to a library of games. This model is particularly appealing to casual gamers and those who want to try out a variety of titles without a significant upfront investment.
The Future of Physical Retail
While the future of physical game retail is uncertain, it’s unlikely to disappear entirely. Some consumers still prefer the tactile experience of owning a physical copy of a game, and physical stores can offer a sense of community and expertise that online retailers can’t match. However, physical retailers will necessitate to adapt to survive, potentially by focusing on niche markets, collectibles, or offering in-store events.
Popular Titles and Industry Trends
Fortnite remains the most played game on consoles and PCs, followed by Call of Duty HQ and Roblox. Electronic Arts (EA) dominated console sales with EA SPORTS FC 26, EA SPORTS FC 25, and Battlefield 6. On PC, Battlefield 6 topped the sales charts. League of Legends and Grand Theft Auto V continue to be popular choices on international streaming platforms.
Notably, the VGFB report did not include sales figures from Belgian studio Larian Studios, the creators of Baldur’s Gate 3, nor did it account for in-game advertising revenue, merchandise sales, PC hardware sales, or the global revenue of Belgian video game companies.
Did you know?
The Belgian gaming market reached €646 million in 2025, despite economic uncertainties and reduced consumer spending.
FAQ
Q: What is driving the decline in physical game sales?
A: The increasing popularity of digital downloads, the convenience of online stores, and the rise of game subscription services are all contributing factors.
Q: Is mobile gaming growing in Belgium?
A: Yes, mobile gaming continues to perform strongly, with a 3% increase in revenue share in 2025.
Q: What is the most popular console in Belgium?
A: The PlayStation 5 remains the most popular console in Belgium.
Q: What impact did the Game Mania closures have?
A: The closure of Game Mania stores likely contributed to the decline in physical game sales, especially in Flanders.
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