gamescom 2026: Record figures and top-level politics

gamescom 2026 has broken many of its own records again and delivered a political programme unlike anything seen before. New records were set even before the doors opened: with 1,743 exhibitors and the exhibition space sold out for the first time, demand from companies to take part in gamescom has never been higher. gamescom also grew across other key metrics. More than 36,000 trade visitors travelled to Cologne, around 50 per cent of them from abroad – including a particularly large number of senior executives. Growth was especially strong among trade visitors from Brazil, Canada, the USA and the Netherlands. In total, 368,000 people from 131 countries visited gamescom this year. The digital programme was equally impressive: by Saturday evening alone, gamescom’s digital content had generated more than 624 million views worldwide, 78 million of them for gamescom Opening Night Live.

‘gamescom has once again surpassed many of its own best figures in 2026: interest from exhibitors and visitors from more than 100 countries has never been greater. This cements gamescom’s position as the biggest event in the world of games. At the same time, the unique atmosphere and enthusiasm on site showed how games bring the most diverse range of people together to form a strong, creative and varied community,’ says Felix Falk, Managing Director of game – The German Games Industry Association, co-organiser of gamescom.

gamescom also reached a new level when it came to its political guests this year. For the first time, a Federal President attended in person: Frank-Walter Steinmeier opened the gamescom congress and then saw games culture for himself on a tour of the halls. The Political Opening of gamescom featured its most high-profile line-up yet, with the current Federal Government represented directly by two cabinet members – Federal Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil and Federal Research Minister Dorothee Bär. And for the first time, a senior representative of the European Commission, Henna Virkkunen, spoke at the opening of gamescom. In all, more than 800 politicians came to Cologne for the first time to see the remarkable momentum of the games industry for themselves. They included political figures from every level: from the federal states to the EU, along with numerous political delegations from around the world.

Felix Falk adds: ‘The importance of games culture as a whole – not just gamescom – is reflected above all in this year’s political guests: for the first time, a Federal President attended gamescom, along with two federal ministers at its Political Opening. The European Commission was also represented at the highest level yet. There is a growing understanding of the outstanding significance of games as a cultural asset, an economic factor and a driver of innovation, as well as their positive influence on society and democracy. This understanding must now translate into better framework conditions for games companies, so that Germany and Europe can become stronger locations for games. When it comes to the most important medium of the 21st century, we don’t just want to watch – we want to play our part.’

gamescom 2027 will take place from 23 to 29 August. It begins with gamescom dev on 23 and 24 August, followed by gamescom Opening Night Live on the evening of 24 August. 25 August is the business and media day, with access also open to Wildcard holders from 1 pm. From 26 August, gamescom is open to everyone.

game – The German Games Industry Association

We are the association of the German games industry. Our members represent the entire video game ecosystem, from development studios and publishers to esports event organisers, educational institutions and other related entities. We are co-organisers of gamescom, the world’s biggest event for video games. We are a shareholder in the Entertainment Software Self-Regulation Body (USK), the Foundation for Digital Games Culture, the esports player foundation, game events and the collecting society VHG, as well as co-host of the German Computer Game Awards. Serving as a central point of contact for media, as well as political and social institutions, we provide comprehensive expertise in areas including market development, game culture and media literacy, and address any inquiries or concerns. Together we are making Germany the heart of gaming worldwide. With games, we enrich the lives of all people.