gamescom congress Explained: What, Where, When and Why
– 2 min read
Never been to gamescom congress? With the conference moving into the big new Confex building for the first time, the 2024 congress is a good time to visit one of Europe's biggest gaming conferences. Who meets up there, what are the topic of the congress is and why do politicians attend it aplenty? We have collected all necessary infos about gamescom congress.
gamescom congress is one of Europe’s biggest conferences on video games. The one day conference at gamescom brings together people from the games industry, research and politics to discuss gaming and its potential for society, industry and academia.
When and Where Does gamescom congress Take Place?
Traditionally, gamescom congress takes place on gamescom’s Thursday, which this year is 22 August, starting in the morning at 10 o'clock. Since 2024, the congress is also located in a new venue: The brand new Confex building directly at the train station Köln Messe/Deutz.
How to get a Ticket to gamescom congress
Generally, congress tickets are included in all trade visitor and press tickets for gamescom. So if you have one of those, you can just walk right in at the Confex on gamescom Thursday. Otherwise, take a look at gamescom's ticket page.
What Can you Expect from Talks There?
Apart from the general topic of gaming and its potentials, every issue of gamescom congress has an additional focus topic. In 2024, two of those have been announced: The focus will be on the topics of "Games and Artificial Intelligence" and "Games and Democracy". The full schedule of talks and speakers as well as the political participants have recently been announced.
Why is gamescom congress Politically Relevant?
Apart from the industry and research discussions, one of the most important features of gamescom congress is how it connects politicians to the gaming sphere. Every year, a podium discussion consisting of four high-level politicians, until 2023 called Debatt(l)e Royale, rounds out the programme. In 2023 for example, the panel consisted of Franziska Giffey, Berlin Senator for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises and SPD State Party Chairwoman, Nathanael Liminski, Minister for Federal and European Affairs, International Affairs and Media of North Rhine-Westphalia and Head of the State Chancellery, CDU, Emily Büning, Federal Managing Director, Bündnis 90/Die Grünen and Bijan Djir-Sarai Secretary General, FDP. Apart from the Debatt(l)e, more high-ranking officials are regularly part of panels around gamescom congress as well, such as Family Minister Lisa Paus and State Secretary Michael Kellner were last year. This year’s participants are Franziska Giffey (Senator for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises and Mayor of Berlin), Michael Kellner, State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, Nathanael Liminski (Minister for Federal and European Affairs, International Affairs and Media of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and Head of the State Chancellery) and Fabian Mehring (Bavaria's State Minister for Digital Affairs).
Especially the smaller discussion rounds with politicians on the panels enable the audience to ask critical questions as well as the politicians to tap into the expertise of the gathered industry and research professionals.
Written by
Pascal Wagner is Chief of Relations of GamesMarket and Senior Editor specialised in indie studios, politics, funding and academic coverage.
