A new hub for gaming startups in Frankfurt and plenty of gamescom—the week is off to a strong start, though it’s not entirely dominated by the trade show in Cologne. But there’s also news about funding and games in Graz.
Gamescom is hot, dear readers,
and by that I don’t just mean the games on display or the entertainment factor—but above all the actual temperature in the halls and in Cologne. Even though the weather forecast is still far from certain, given the current temperatures, it’s safe to assume that it will be the height of summer in Cologne during gamescom. Accordingly, today we’ve not only updated our various event calendars (for example, to include the lineup for the gamescom festival) but we’ve also put together a few tips on how to beat the summer heat. It’s perfectly normal that more than half of our news stories right now are gamescom-related.
Still, it’s worth taking a look to the left and right, because the fact that the city of Frankfurt is giving its relatively young Games Hub a new home at the turn of the year is exciting. Especially since Frankfurt is something of an underrated hub for the German games industry. While people tend to think primarily of Berlin, Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Hamburg, some of Germany’s most important studios such as Crytek and Deck13 are based in Frankfurt.
Here are the news of the day!
Your Stephan Steininger
Frankfurt is gradually improving the conditions for startups, including those in the gaming industry. At the turn of the year, the city will close the existing startup center, which also housed the 2025 Games Hub Frankfurt. It will move to the Futury Startup Space.
(Read more...)
by Stephan Steininger
Mainz-based Alchemical Works has received funding from the German Federal Government's Video Game Funding Programme for a project titled "Lavender Fields". This is the company's fourth and highest grant to date.
(Read more...)
by Marcel Kleffmann
HandyGames has announced its transition to THQ Nordic Mobile. As part of this change, the publisher will operate under the THQ Nordic brand, focusing on bringing premium PC and console titles to mobile audiences. The company's internal dev team in Giebelstadt will continue its operations.
(Read more...)
by Marcel Kleffmann
From emergency contacts to party guides, tips for traveling in Cologne and information for trade visitors and exhibitors: Learn everything there is to know about being at gamescom on our big service portal.
The Game Dev Days at Technical University Graz will take place on 10 and 11 October 2026 this year. Submissions are open for speakers and exhibitors now.
(Read more...)
Despite facing strong competition, Chop Chop Inc., developed by NullRef Entertainment and published by rokaplay, enjoyed a successful launch. It is the publisher's second-best launch based on concurrent users (CCUs).
(Read more...)
August is hot in Cologne. The gamescom week can be quite a strain if you are not used to the climate here. To make your stay a bit cooler and a lot safer, we have collected tips against the heat that will help you keep hydrated and functional during your time at gamescom.
(Read more...)
THQ Nordic held its annual showcase event last night. The Austrian publisher announced updates for several Early Access games, launched the first DLC for Reanimal, and shared news about Gothic.
(Read more...)
Wildcard tickets for gamescom's Wednesday have been sold out, says the fair. The Saturday is also at capacity now, but more tickets for Opening Night Live have been made available.
(Read more...)
The German audio specialist beyerdynamic, based in Heilbronn, teamed up with the Indie Arena Booth at gamescom 2026. The long-standing company, which has recently expanded its gaming initiatives, is equipping indie developers with headsets.
(Read more...)
Artex, a German indie publisher founded a year ago, is traveling to Cologne with two of its seven signed teams. There, Artex will present American Cooking Simulator, which is scheduled for release in October. Developer Borb Games will also showcase Wyrm Saga.
(Read more...)
For the 16th time, gamescom will be accompanied by the City Festival, featuring free concerts including Thees Uhlmann & Band, The Notwist, Elias, and Guildo Horn. In the city center there will be also numerous gaming-related attractions like the PUBG Hungerzone and an eFootball arena.
(Read more...)
Never have a dull evening at gamescom 2026 with our party guide: Every sundown event, from Sunday to Sunday – now including the gamescom city festival.
(Read more...)
Madeleine Egger
06.07. - 23.08.2026: Esports World Cup (Paris)
23.08. - 25.08.2026: gamescom dev (Cologne)
25.08.2026: gamescom opening night live - tbc - (Cologne/Stream)
26.08. - 30.08.2026: gamescom (Cologne)
27.08.2026: gamescom congress (Cologne)
04.09. - 07.09.2026: PAX West (Seattle)
04.09. - 08.09.2026: IFA (Berlin)
18.09. - 20.09.2026: Gaming Istanbul (GIST) (Istanbul)
18.09. - 20.09.2026: Nexus Nerd Rock Festival (Leipzig)
21.09. - 23.09.2026: D.I.C.E. Europe (Athens)
22.09. - 25.09.2026: Game Devs of Color Expo (online)
23.09.2026: Open Stage Games BW (Suttgart)
23.09. - 25.09.2026: Northern Games Summit (Kajaani)
26.09. - 27.09.2026: Zurich Pop Con Game & Show (Zurich)
29.09. - 30.09.2026: DevGamm x FTW! (Belgrade)
Find more events in our GamesMarket calendar.
