The new Women in Games HQ in Spain is a strong signal about one of the most gender-equal markets in the EU. Also in today's news: Thera Bytes is refocusing on multiplayer, several people in new positions, and an academic incubator for start-ups.
It's a strong political signal, dear readers,
that Women in Games have founded their continental headquarters in Spain. The country is one of the strongest fighters for women's rights in the whole European Union, ranking 4th on the Gender Equality Index in the EU. In terms of this equality rights base, a strong framework such as the Spanish one could potentially help Women in Games support their cause. The EU overall can certainly profit from a lobby group for more equal rights.
On another note, if the track maintenance and train cancellation during the gamescom week surprised you, don't worry – you can find all info on how to best get from Düsseldorf in our arrival guide, including where to change trains during the Deutsche Bahn disturbances.
Here are the news of the day!
Your Pascal Wagner
Women in Games is opening a new chapter and formally establishing Women in Games Europe (WiG Europe). The new European HQ in Spain is a commitment to building a stronger European presence and creating deeper connections across the continent.
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by Stephan Steininger
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.
With the entire schedule of gamescom congress out now, 85 speakers will provide 165 talks and panels. Highlights include several politics panels, including German Federal President Steinmeier, and industry experts discussing “Playing Field Democracy” and “The Games Effect”.
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by Pascal Wagner
With her new company good shift, Lena Laaser wants to bridge the fields of gaming and fundraising she has been working in for the last five years.
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by Pascal Wagner
German indie game studio Thera Bytes has completed a strategic and organisational realignment, focusing its future development on cooperative multiplayer games. Kreshnik Halili is leading the studio's technical direction.
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by Marcel Kleffmann
The game association has published its annual report on the German games industry for 2026. According to the industry barometer, a higher proportion of companies expect the industry to develop positively than in the previous year. However, negative assessments still slightly outnumber positive ones.
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Pascal Wagner
The new Indie collab booth Indie Castle will bring 52 games to gamescom Hall 10.2 in an actual castle structure. It is the first community booth by new brand Indies United, organised by Insomnia Development.
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Swipe Right has gotten the contract for Square Enix Europe's PR agency. The UK agency will be at gamescom for a first big stop.
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Marcel Kleffmann
Amazon Game Studios has finally decided to part ways with two third-party MMOs: Throne and Liberty and Lost Ark, which the company had distributed in Western regions. NC (formerly NCsoft) will continue Throne and Liberty, while Smilegate will handle Lost Ark.
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The next BAFTA Games Awards will be presented in London on 14 April 2027. Games can be submitted for these prestigious awards from now until 18 September. However, there have been some changes to the rules.
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In the run-up to the company's 20th anniversary, gamescom and the upcoming release of Tropico 7, the sales specialist Karen Ionescu is joining Kalypso Media UK.
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Marcel Kleffmann
Set to launch exclusively on PlayStation 5 on 15 September 2026, Insomniac Games' Marvel's Wolverine is arguably Sony Interactive Entertainment's most significant release of the year. To mark the occasion, a limited-edition PS5 console bundle and accessories have been unveiled.
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The car maker Mercedes-Benz will be main partner of Webedia's GameStar FYNG City booth at gamescom's entertainment area. It will also be featured prominently in the live stream.
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Marcel Kleffmann
The Wavelab Incubator at Munich University of Music and Performing Arts has opened submissions from the fields of music, arts, game & media tech. Applications can be submitted until 22 September.
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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.
