The GAMESCOM, the largest gaming event and trade show in the world, will remain in Cologne, Germany, for the foreseeable future. This was announced by Koelnmesse GmbH and the Federal Association of the German Games Industry (GAME) at the beginning of April. In 2024, the event, which targets both private and business audiences, set new records, underlining its significance for the international gaming industry as well as the importance of its main location in Cologne. The EventMasterBook.com editorial team has analyzed the future plans and the underlying success factors behind this achievement.
Since its debut in Cologne in 2009, the GAMESCOM has grown into the world’s largest trade fair event of gaming, computer, and video games. In 2024, the GAMESCOM saw a record 1,462 exhibitors from 64 countries. The event attracted a total of 335,000 visitors from 120 countries, including approximately 32,000 industry professionals. In comparison, the first GAMESCOM held in Cologne in 2009 featured 450 exhibitors from 31 countries and 228,000 attendees, including 17,000 industry professionals.
The number of people who followed the GAMESCOM 2024 online also reached a new high, with over 500 million video views. Additionally, the organizers have expanded the global reach of the event through satellite events such as "GAMESCOM Asia" and "GAMESCOM Latam".
Upon signing the new contract, the GAMESCOM organizers stated that the close collaboration with Koelnmesse GmbH (the exhibition company), the City of Cologne, and the Federal State of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) has been a decisive factor in the success of the event format. In recent years, Cologne and NRW have significantly supported the GAMESCOM, particularly through initiatives to increase visibility in the city and around the "GAMESCOM City Festival," which brings gaming culture into the urban space.
This collaboration will be further intensified under the renewed contract. The City of Cologne and the Federal State of NRW will continue to invest in key aspects of the event, including the GAMESCOM Congress, Europe’s leading conference on the potential of games, and the GAMESCOM Invest Circle, a matchmaking event for investors and game studios.
But what lies at the heart of the GAMESCOM’s success? The EventMasterBook.com editorial team has identified 10 key success factors:
- The Location: Cologne – A City with Heart, in the Heart of Europe
Geographically positioned almost at the center of Europe, Cologne offers easy access for visitors and exhibitors from all over the world. The city’s excellent infrastructure and cosmopolitan flair appeal to a wide range of people. - Enormous Industry Participation
Many large publishers and developers are consistently present at the GAMESCOM. Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, Ubisoft, EA, and many more regularly present their latest offerings and exclusive content at the event. Major companies, including Deutsche Telekom, use the GAMESCOM to address socially relevant issues, such as the "Responsible Gaming Days" – an interactive format targeting teachers, students, and the general public. - A Consumer & Industry Event (B2C / B2B) in One Format
The GAMESCOM merges entertainment and experience for fans with a business concept for industry professionals. This format appeals to both the gaming community and the gaming industry. - Exclusive World Premieres and Previews
Many companies use the large platform of the GAMESCOM to showcase world premieres, gameplay reveals, and new trailers. This generates international attention for the event. (Note: The EventMasterBook.de editorial team was on-site at the 2024 event and witnessed thousands of fans patiently waiting in long lines, simply to watch the latest preview videos from top exhibitors.) - Vibrant Fan Community and Cosplay Culture
The sense of community is at the heart of the GAMESCOM experience. Thousands of cosplayers, e-sports athletes, streamers, and gaming fans create a unique atmosphere and a genuine festival feel. - Digital Expansion ("gamescom Now")
The gaming fair has a strong online presence as well, with livestreams, shows, interviews, and demos for a global audience. The GAMESCOM offers powerful experiences even for those who cannot attend in person. - Diverse Range of Topics
From the Indie Area to Retro Gaming, from e-sports to family-friendly sections, there is something for every target audience at the GAMESCOM. - Strong Support from Politics and Business
The GAMESCOM is supported and promoted by the "game – Association of the German Games Industry", ensuring its position as a leading event worldwide. Additionally, support from strong partners such as Koelnmesse GmbH, the City of Cologne, and the State of North Rhine-Westphalia is a crucial success factor. - Expanded Experience Concept and Side-Events
Beyond the main exhibition, the GAMESCOM is complemented by the GAMESCOM City Festival, concerts, community meetups, outdoor areas, and after-show parties. These events extend the immersive nature of the experience far beyond the exhibition space, enhancing the overall event. - Well-established Event Brand and Strong Media Presence
Since 2009, GAMESCOM has established itself as a cornerstone of the gaming scene in Cologne (originally taking over from the Games Convention in Leipzig). The event achieves millions of contacts annually on social media and garners extensive coverage in traditional media (newspapers, magazines, TV, digital media, etc.) thanks to press reports and media professionals' interest.
Cover Image: Scene from GAMESCOM 2024, Event Arena, Hall 8 (Photo / Copyright: Koelnmesse GmbH)
Related Topics: Gaming Event, Games Event, Games Festival, Trade Fair, GAMESCOM, Koelnmesse, City of Cologne, State of NRW, Collaboration, Partnership, Cooperation, Success Formula, Success Metrics, Visitor Record, Exhibitor Record, GAMESCOM 2024, GAMESCOM 2025, Gaming, Computer Games, Video Games, Gamers, Festival Event, Games Festival, Trade Fair Event, Immersive Experience Concept, Interactive Event
Summary: GAMESCOM, the largest gaming event in the world, will remain in Cologne, Germany. The organizers have released strong success figures and signed a new contract with Koelnmesse GmbH. The EventMasterBook.de editorial team has analyzed what makes the trade fair and festival event GAMESCOM so successful.
Please note: This text was translated from the German EventMasterBook.de Event Magazine (see article: Die gamescom bleibt in Köln – Eine Erfolgsanalyse). Please excuse any translation errors.
