The German market was down, gamescom is on track to set a new record, the ENC has been postponed and there’s new funding – in terms of news, it was a day of ups and downs for the industry.
The postponement of the Esports Nations Cup, dear readers,
was certainly not an easy decision for the Esports Foundation. Especially as it is not to blame for the situation and the ongoing conflict with Iran. However, it is somewhat irritating that, whilst the entire Esports World Cup was moved to Paris at even shorter notice, a similar relocation is not possible in the case of the Esports Nations Cup. Or perhaps it is simply not desired. After all, 2026 would have marked the debut of the event, which was only launched following the end of the partnership with the IOC – effectively as a replacement for the first Olympic Esports Games.
I think it’s quite possible – and also understandable – that those footing the bill, which is certainly not a small one, are determined to see the Esports Nations Cup kick off in Saudi Arabia. But this simply shows that global esports events are not the result of a grassroots movement that has grown organically, but rather commercial events driven by clear economic and political interests. This is neither bad nor reprehensible in itself, but it is more in line with Gianni Infantino’s ‘vision of sport’ than with the Olympic ideal.
Here are the news of the day!
Your Stephan Steininger
A decline in hardware sales, in particular, has caused the German gaming market to fall short of last year’s figures at mid-year. However, it is still too early to speak of a trend for the full year.
(Read more...)
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.
One of the heads behind the Raw Talent booth collective of universities at gamescom, Stephan Jacob is Professor of Creative Technologies at Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences and Chairman of the German Society for Game Studies. We portray him in our ongoing series about games researchers.
(Read more...)
by Pascal Wagner
The Chinese external development specialist Original Force is entering the European market and establishing its ninth global office in Mainz. It will be led by Business Development Director Marco Pacifico, who also serves as Studio Director for Germany.
(Read more...)
by Stephan Steininger
More exhibitors, more country pavilions, and a larger indie area—gamescom has already broken its first records about a week before opening.
(Read more...)
The Esports Foundation has postponed the inaugural Esports Nations Cup, which was originally scheduled to take place in Riyadh in November 2026, to November 2027. This decision follows an ongoing assessment of the wider regional situation and consultation with key stakeholders.
(Read more...)
Würzburg-based Gentle Troll Entertainment has received funding from the German Federal Government's Video Game Funding Programme for its project, "Packing Orders" (WT). This is the company's fifth grant to date.
(Read more...)
In a post on LinkedIn, legendary game developer Warren Spector has announced his retirement from game development, even though there are still projects he would have liked to work on. He says it is time to write and read books, give talks and perhaps do some consultancy work.
(Read more...)
Polaroid and Pokémon have announced a collaboration with Pokéball, Pikachu and Sylveon cameras as well as film editions and accessories. Pre-orders will begin on 25 August 25 2026, the products will be available from 5 October.
(Read more...)
Sidekick Publishing will be showcasing five games at Gamescom, including two new titles. Giants Software is bringing Farming Simulator 25: Beans & Alpacas, as well as Straw Hats.
(Read more...)
Swiss studio and publisher Stray Fawn has announced their upcoming game Infinity Bounce, funded by the Zürcher Filmstiftung. It will be a pinball incremental game.
(Read more...)
The Zurich Pop Con & Game Show has released the hall plan for its 2026 issue. It will fill the entire Messe Zürich area. A new podcast stage has also been announced, filled with Swiss variety podcast live sessions.
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With a series of personnel changes, asap Brand Services, the full-service agency of Web Media Publishing, is restructuring. David Diekmann is being promoted to the management team. In addition, Pascal Pfeifer, Patricia Simon, and Sven Siemen are taking on new or expanded responsibilities.
(Read more...)
Marcel Kleffmann
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.
