Cologne Days: Exhibitions, Sights and Things to Do

gamescom

ESDigital, Toplitz, Konami – Exhibitor Update, 23 July

With five weeks to go before the trade fair and following the release of the exhibitor directory, reports about games and exhibitors at gamescom are increasing. Without claiming to be exhaustive, we’ve summarised the key line-ups. Today’s round-up features ESDigital, Konami and Toplitz Productions.

By Stephan Steininger • 1 min read

gamescom

Gamescom Dev Talk Review: Pioneers of Play

Not sure what sort of talks to expect at gamescom dev? Together with gamescom dev, we’re taking a look back at selected talks from 2025. The panellists are studio leads from the first wave of Saudi game developers and will provide an insight into the emerging MENA region.

By Stephan Steininger • 2 min read

gamescom

The Evolution of Video Game Monetization: Balancing Profit and Player Trust

Advertorial | Video game monetization has changed significantly over the past two decades, moving beyond one-time purchases to include downloadable content (DLC), battle passes, subscriptions, and microtransactions. Visit Xsolla at Gamescom to learn more.

By Xsolla • 1 min read

Funding

G+ BKM Funding Update: These Studios Received 15.2 Million Euros

Following an overhaul of the list, details of grants awarded in 2025 from the Federal Minister for Culture’s fund are now once again publicly available. The number of studios has risen from 35 to over 50, and the total amount has increased from just under 10 million euros to over 15 million euros.

By Stephan Steininger • 3 min read

Publishing

Bandai Namco and Koei Tecmo Expand European Distribution Partnership

Last fall, Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe and Koei Tecmo Europe entered into a distribution partnership covering most European countries. This partnership has now been expanded to include the remaining countries.

By Stephan Steininger • 1 min read

Business

The First Quarter of Ubisoft's Transition Year

Ubisoft's first quarter was slightly above expectations in a year that is seen as a transition period, with sales down 9% year-on-year. However, Assassin's Creed Black Flag exceeded its annual targets in just 14 days.

By Marcel Kleffmann • 2 min read

Business

The Playground Manifesto: Can Nex Capture the Post-Inflation Family Gaming Market?

In his latest Zoran's Update, gaming marketing expert Zoran Roso analyzes Nex Playground's strategy of positioning itself as an affordable family console featuring motion controls in the tradition of the Wii in a market where consoles are increasingly becoming luxury items.

By Zoran Roso • 3 min read

Campus

Game Studies Watchlist 2026 #29

The Game Studies Watchlist newsletter, curated by Professor Rudolf Inderst, is published weekly on GamesMarket. This week's edition focuses on Sierra's Gold Rush, the use of RPGs to communicate historical research, the ecological patterns of Pokémon, and Nintendo's legal battle over US tariffs.

By Rudolf Inderst • 4 min read

Daily

GamesMarket Daily – 23. July 26: EC x EA x PIF, Xsolla, Level Up, gamescom dev, UKIE, EA Sports FC 27

Electronic Arts and Saudi Arabia are the key talking points today. The EU has given the green light to the takeover, whilst EA has revealed the cover stars and release date for FC 27. And we take a look back at a panel from last year’s gamescom dev. Topic: The games industry in Saudi Arabia.

By Stephan Steininger • 5 min read