Koelnmesse and game have announced promising initial figures for exhibitor registrations for Gamescom 2026. Ticket sales are also starting. Trade visitors can now purchase a 5-day ticket that includes access to gamescom dev.
Gamescom 2026 in Cologne is still a few months away, but preparations are already underway. Following the conclusion of the early bird phase for exhibitors, the organisers at Koelnmesse and game have taken stock of the situation. At the end of the early bird phase, the number of exhibitor registrations was up 15% on the previous year. Koelnmesse and game did not disclose the exact number of registrations.
"As co-organisers of gamescom, we are delighted to have set a record after the early bird phase for three years in a row. The result underscores the unique role of gamescom for the games industry and makes it clear why the event is a must-attend for the global games community. The result of the early bird phase is the perfect start for ticket sales. gamescom 2026 promises to be a superlative experience for all visitors," says Oliver Frese, Managing Director and COO of Koelnmesse.
In fact, the organisers are now also starting ticket sales. For consumers, there is once again a wide range of options, from day tickets to evening and family tickets to limited Super Fan Bundles, which include an Opening Night Live ticket. But there is also a new option for trade visitors. In addition to the Business 1 Day and Business 3 Day tickets, there is now also a Business 5 Days ticket for the first time. The new ticket grants access to the accompanying conference gamescom dev, which takes place on Monday and Tuesday in Cologne. gamescom dev is the further development of the event previously known as devcom developer conference, which marked the start of gamescom week.
"It is already clear that gamescom will once again be the absolute highlight of the international gaming year. As the German games industry, we are proud to host this unique event and welcome guests from all over the world. I am particularly pleased that this year we are linking gamescom even more closely with our developer conference gamescom dev. As the creative heart of the industry, the dev community is rightly kicking off gamescom week," said Felix Falk, Managing Director of game – The Germany Games Industry Association.
gamescom 2025 attracted a total of 357,000 visitors and set a new record with 34,000 trade visitors. Devcom also achieved a new record in 2025 with 5,400 registered visitors. It was announced during the event that devcom will be held under the name gamescom dev from 2026 onwards. Interested parties have until 5 April to submit proposals for talks, panels and workshops for the first gamescom dev.
