A change at the helm of the GDC, growth plans for Caggtus and more supporting events at gamescom – today’s news is dominated by events and new funding figures.
The GDC 2026 did not go as planned, dear readers,
as Informa, and no doubt Nina Brown too, had hoped. It is not known whether she left the team for this reason. However, if that were the case, it must be noted that the results of the GDC relaunch were influenced by many factors, most of which were beyond Nina Brown’s control. It is surely undisputed that the numerous reports of ICE raids and social media vetting even targeting business travellers in the run-up to the GDC dampened the international industry’s enthusiasm for travel.
Personally, however, what bothers me most of all is the growing number of companies that are not attending the event itself, yet are taking advantage of it by booking rooms in the surrounding hotels and venues. That may be stylish and cost-effective, but it also means exploiting the appeal of an event whilst leaving the costs to others. This is economically understandable, but what happens when it gets out of hand can be seen in former must-attend events such as E3 or ECTS.
Incidentally, another reason I’m referring to the ‘event’ rather than the GDC is that, as I do every year, I’ve already received the first invitations to gamescom at the surrounding hotels. At least during the day, I won’t be attending a single one of them. Why? Because a visit like that – including the time getting from and back to the exhibition centre – costs me three appointment slots, and with over 1,500 expected exhibitors spread over three days, those slots are precious. So if anyone wants to show me anything else in the hotel apart from the PS6, Project Helix or Switch 3, no thanks!
Here are the news of the day!
Your Stephan Steininger
Following an overhaul of the list, details of grants awarded in 2025 from the Federal Minister for Culture’s fund are now once again publicly available. The number of studios has risen from 35 to over 50, and the total amount has increased from just under 10 million euros to over 15 million euros.
(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.
Change at the top of the GDC Festival of Gaming: President Nina Brown has left the team. Gaming Division President Suzy Pallett will now lead the team. No further details were given.
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by Stephan Steininger
Leipziger Messe has set a goal of continuing to grow for the upcoming fifth edition of Caggtus. To that end, sales of both exhibition space and LAN spots will begin earlier, in September.
(Read more...)
by Stephan Steininger
Last fall, Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe and Koei Tecmo Europe entered into a distribution partnership covering most European countries. This partnership has now been expanded to include the remaining countries.
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Ubisoft's first quarter was slightly above expectations in a year that is seen as a transition period, with sales down 9% year-on-year. However, Assassin's Creed Black Flag exceeded its annual targets in just 14 days.
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Zoran Roso
Need to get some sun outside the gamescom halls or want to fill the weekend when the business area has already closed? Find some tips for worthwhile events around Cologne here for gamescom 2026.
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According to Microsoft, the company has launched a trial of ad-supported game streaming. The feature is available to the Xbox Insider Community for testing with select Xbox games.
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Rudolf Inderst
06.07. - 23.08.2026: Esports World Cup (Paris)
31.07. - 03.08.2026: ChinaJoy (Shanghai)
05.08. - 07.08.2026: Serious Play Conference (Durham/USA)
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)
Find more events in our GamesMarket calendar.
