Gamescom Pre-Show Special: News, Interviews, Tips & Tricks for Cologne
Whether you are new to gamescom or a seasoned trade visitor, in this special you will find everything you need to know about gamescom 2024 and the side events such as devcom: Information about the show and the halls, important news and exciting interviews or services for exhibitors and visitors.
The countdown has begun: The week of gamescom begins on 18 August in Cologne. Once again, the ddc - devcom developer conference will kick off on Sunday with a networking dinner for invited guests. On Monday and Tuesday, the extensive conference programme continues with renowned speakers from around the world.
The countdown has begun: The week of gamescom begins on 18 August in Cologne. Once again, the ddc - devcom developer conference will kick off on Sunday with a networking dinner for invited guests. On Monday and Tuesday, the extensive conference programme continues with renowned speakers from around the world.
On Tuesday evening, the first highlight under the gamescom brand will be the Opening Night Live, where Geoff Keighley will present new games and trailers with co-presenter Eefje "sjokz" Depoortere. On Wednesday, the show will finally get underway with the Trade Visitor & Media Day. From midday, the first consumers will be allowed to enter the fair, namely all those who have received a wildcard ticket. The show will be open to the public from Thursday. The gamescom congress will also take place on Thursday. Numerous federal and state politicians are expected to attend the gamescom congress and the official opening, including Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister of Economics Robert Habeck and Minister-President of North Rhine-Westphalia Hendrik Wüst. The business section ends on Friday. The weekend will then be all about the fans. Not only the exhibition centre, but also the entire city of Cologne will be involved. On Saturday and Sunday, Cologne will celebrate the Games in the city centre with free live concerts, street food and entertainment.
Service
On the gamescom website, trade visitors and exhibitors will find a wealth of information and services to help them during their visit to Cologne. For example, in the "Arrival section" you will find all the information you need about travelling to Cologne by plane, train, car, taxi or public transport.
There is also information on hotels, a restaurant service where you can reserve a table, and general information on the city of Cologne.
The Opening Hours for Trade Visitors of the business area are:
Wednesday, 21.08.: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, 22.08.: 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Friday, 23.08.: 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Exhibitors can enter the business area as early as 7.00 a.m. and may stay one hour longer in the evening.
Business Area
The heart of gamescom for trade visitors and press. Best reachable through the south and west entrances, the B2B area spans halls 2, 3 and 4. Most companies looking for partners and new opportunities have set up their booth in these climate-controlled halls. The country booths, the stands of game associations from around the world as well as several of the German federal state booths can be found here along with the companies.
Campus Area
The universities, both state and private, that are looking to advertise their game programs to young people are gathered here in hall 10.2 in the entertainment area. Most have brought lecturers and students with them to share their story.
Cards & Boards Area
Analogue gaming is the focus here. Found in hall 5.2 in the entertainment area, customers can find card games and board games throughout the hall.
Cosplay Village
Found in hall 5.1, visitors can find several cosplay-related booths here, as well as regular stage shows concering cosplays and famous cosplayers. Cosplayers themselves can also find repair stations for small damage on their costume here.
Creator Co-Working Space
Found in the newest hall 11.3, content creators can find spaces to stream, upload and work here.
devcom / congress
The new Confex building is situated at the west entrance. It hosts devcom before the gamescom starts and gamescom congress in Thursday, 22 August.
Entertainment Area
In halls 6, 7, 9 and 10.1, most publishers and companies have set up their big play stations. Hall 10.1 often has a range of non-gaming activities depending on the exhibitors, like RC car football or various sports presented by hardware companies or similar.
Event Area
Hall 8 has space for events like concerts and other big gatherings.
Indie Area
The indie area in Hall 10.2 has several shared indie booths, some of them enormously big like the Indie Arena Booth. Others like the Home of Indies and booths of indie game engine makers also bring a great amount of indie devs and their games to the customers here. The indie area has probably the most play stations per square meters on the premises, so the chances to find a game to play are high here.
Merchandise Area
The merchandise area in Halls 5.1 and 5.2 are the shopping mall of gamescom. All things related to gaming, anime, manga, board games, vinyl music and other hobbies can be found here. For many visitors, the gamescom merchandise hall is the focus of the event, since they can find articles here that they cannot find the rest of the year.
Outdoor Area
The yards between halls 5 and 6 and 6 and 7 offer air, space to sit and some refreshments. Some companies hold small events there as well.
Retro Area / Family & Friends Area
This is where several retro gaming clubs have brought their equipment and retro consoles for people to discover old technology and enjoy old games. Kid-friendly gaming stations and stage shows can also be found here.
Social Area
The new area in hall 11.2 and 11.3 is for the creators and their fans. Shows can be held here as well as livestreams with big community gatherings. There is a signing area in Hall 11.2 and a big stage in 11.3.
News, Articles & Background
We have compiled a selection of interesting news, articles and background information for you here. You can find a chronological list of all GamesMarkt articles on gamescom in our gamescom section.
- Interview with Stephan Reichart from devcom
- gamescom's main theme announcement and trends
- gamescom congress Explained: What, Where, When and Why
- Confirmed visits of German politicans
- The Nordic Countries are the Partner Region for gamescom 2024