IFA Berlin gives a positive review of the show's gaming area

IFA 2023 in Berlin had its own gaming area. The managing director of the industry association gfu Consumer & Home Electronics, the organiser of IFA, gave a positive assessment and promised that gaming will continue to play a major role in 2024.

IFA 2023 closed yesterday, Tuesday, in Berlin. In its 99th year, the trade show for consumer electronics and home appliances included a dedicated gaming area that was part of the main grounds. Berlin-based indie studios such as Metagame AI, Grizzly Games and Legendary Play showcased their games there. Electronic Arts was also present with "F1 23" and a live stage programme, while the IFA Gaming Night took place in the city in cooperation with LVL World of Gaming.

Dr. Sara Warneke, Managing Director of the industry association gfu Consumer & Home Electronics GmbH, the organiser of IFA, describes the response to this gaming area when asked by GamesMarkt: "Our new activities around IFA 2023 have met with a positive response. This is particularly true of the Gaming Area. There were always lots of visitors around the stands. We have shown how quickly IFA can evolve to make exhibitors and visitors happy. All in all, IFA 2023 was a great success. But as always, the first day after IFA is the first day before IFA. This has never been more true than today, as we prepare for IFA's 100th birthday in 2024, when games are expected to play a major role.

Even before IFA 2023, the organisers have made it clear that gaming will play a bigger role at the show in the future: "This year will be the springboard for a new gaming presence at IFA, with the show's organisers working with the local gaming scene, associations and partners to create a platform for years to come." Cornelia Schwobe, Sales Director Consumer Electronics at IFA Management, says: "IFA 2023 is the year we set the stage for what will be an annual gaming presence complete with exciting experiences and meaningful conversations. The games industry is predicted to grow significantly. We’re planning to continue the growth of gaming at IFA as well to reflect the continued appetite for the industry to be present at one of the world’s leading tech shows."

The organisers of the IFA are generally satisfied with this year's show, although they note the short planning period and the absence of some key players such as Sony. More than 2,000 companies exhibited in 26 halls covering 130,000 square metres. This was the first time since the pandemic that the show was back in full swing without restrictions. Some 182,000 trade visitors and technology enthusiasts from 138 countries came to Berlin to see the latest products and services in consumer electronics and home appliances. In addition to keynotes from Honor and Hisense, the gfu also highlighted the IFA Leaders Summit on Friday and Saturday. Experts and industry leaders came together to discuss sustainability, the circular economy, artificial intelligence and other disruptive technology trends. Metaverse, robotics, the Internet of Things and new ways to reach audiences through social media were all on the agenda.

"IFA Berlin is back - both as a platform and a constant for the global tech industry. As an event, we showed that IFA is rapidly evolving to meet the expectations of both exhibitors and visitors. IFA 2023 was a big success. But as always, the first day after IFA is the first day before IFA. That’s never been more true than today, as we will now prepare for celebrating IFA’s 100th birthday in 2024," says Dr Sara Warneke, the Managing Director of industry organisation gfu Consumer & Home Electronics GmbH. "IFA under new management has proven to all involved that the 2023 edition has initiated the change that will set the direction for all future shows. IFA Management and its shareholders gfu and Clarion agree that a constantly evolving industry also requires a constant evolution of the IFA concept".

"We had less than eight months to get ready, but the team of IFA Management GmbH has worked wonders and delivered a wonderful and inspiring IFA. I'm truly proud of what we have achieved: evolving IFA Berlin from the world's best show for consumer electronics and home appliances into a content-packed experience for all visitors," says Oliver Merlin, the Managing Director of IFA Management GmbH. "The outlook for next year is promising. Many exhibitors have already committed to IFA 2024, and the government of the state of Berlin has also confirmed its full support for next year's show".

In its 100th anniversary year, IFA 2024 will take place in Berlin from 6 to 10 September. It is already possible to pre-book exhibition space. This means that there are almost two weeks between IFA 2024 and gamescom 2024 (21-25 August 2024).