Us right in the thick of it at Europe’s biggest gaming event
Anyone who enters Gamescom is immediately immersed in a sea of colours, voices and impressions. Cosplayers in lovingly detailed costumes stroll through the halls, music comes from all directions, lights flash, and fans patiently wait in long queues for a glimpse of the latest games. Even in the late morning, the community’s energy is palpable: as soon as the gates open at 10 o’clock, they stream into the halls as if it were about the best spots at a festival. Everywhere you can see what Gamescom stands for this year. The motto “Games – perfect entertainment” comes to life immediately in every corner.
Trade visitors (among whom we were also fortunate enough to count ourselves) benefit from a very special advantage: the halls open for them an hour before the official admission. We too were able to take a calm look, at least for a brief moment, at the impressive stands of major corporations such as Samsung, Netflix and co., until the masses equipped with camping chairs stormed into the halls full of anticipation.
Behind the colourful hustle and bustle lies a completely different world: the Business Area. Numerous studios, developers and companies present, across around 40 country pavilions from 35 nations, where the gaming industry is heading. Throughout the day, we had many exciting conversations: about emerging trends, innovations and new projects.
Artificial intelligence is playing an ever greater role – whether in development, game design or community management. Early approaches are even showing games that are almost 100 per cent AI-generated and play out individually for each player. The topic of sustainability was also very prominent: from more energy-efficient servers to environmentally friendly trade-fair appearances. Blockchain and crypto solutions are likewise coming more sharply into focus, as they secure ownership rights to digital goods. An aspect that is becoming increasingly important in times of battle passes and in-game shops.
By the afternoon, the atmosphere had loosened up a little: one or two bottles of wine were opened, and it quickly became clear which country pavilions were particularly popular among visitors.
After the exhibition is before the exhibition
While the gates of Gamescom traditionally close at around 7 p.m., immediately afterwards numerous side events across the Cologne area provide space for networking in a relaxed atmosphere. We were, of course, happy to take the opportunity to deepen existing contacts, meet new people and look back on the eventful day in a laid-back mood. The next morning, we ran into one or two visitors again looking a bit crumpled at the espresso stand.
After two intense days, long conversations and a short night, it was already time to head back to Hamburg. Deutsche Bahn added its own little drama with a slightly bumpy journey, and after around four hours we were glad to be back within our own four walls after so much hustle and bustle.
