gamescom awards 2026: The Nominees

Business

G+ GTA's Shadow: The Effects of a Mega Release on the Industry and the Release Schedule

This year is the year! Rockstar Games' highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI is set to be released in November. But how will other publishers handle a release like this? How will release strategies change, and what strategies are actually out there?

By Marcel Kleffmann • 9 min read

gamescom

Bär, Klingbeil, Steinmeier: Live Stream of Openings of Gamescom and Gamescom Congress

Even if you can’t be there in person, you can watch the political opening ceremony featuring Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil and Federal Minister Dorothee Bär, as well as the opening of the gamescom congress with Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, live via the Twitch stream.

By Stephan Steininger • 2 min read

Products

Mortal Shell II

Six years ago, Cold Symmetry and Playstack released Mortal Shell, a decent but rather sluggish Souls-like game set in an impressive world. With Mortal Shell II, they have now launched a sequel that shows what a true sequel should look like.

By Marcel Kleffmann • 5 min read

gamescom

Xsolla Unveils Its Largest Product Rollout Yet: New Tools Give Studios Control Over Their Own Growth

Advertorial | Xsolla is heading to Cologne for gamescom dev and gamescom with a range of new services and products. Learn more at xsolla.pro/gmktgc, or connect with the team at gamescom, Hall 2.2, #A030-B035.

By Xsolla • 4 min read

Products

First GamingUp Showcase Features 39 GSA Games

With 39 games from Germany, Austria and Switzerland, among them two premieres, GamingUp Showcase by MotekGames has made a respectable debut on Sunday.

By Pascal Wagner • 1 min read

People

Ricarda Lang and Thomas Hentschel to Visit gamescom 2026

With a press tour through the entertainment area on Wednesday, the Greens enforce their gamescom presence: Ricarda Lang and Thomas Hentschel from Baden-Württemberg will check out the fair this year.

By Pascal Wagner • 1 min read