The world’s largest video game convention, Gamescom, is set to welcome hundreds of thousands of fans and industry professionals to Cologne this week, proving that gaming is far more than a purely virtual activity. The annual four-day event, which runs from August 20-24, is poised to be the biggest in its history, showcasing a record number of exhibitors and highly anticipated game announcements.
This year’s Gamescom will host over 1,500 exhibitors from 72 countries, spanning a record exhibition space of 233,000 square meters. The event officially kicked off on August 19 with Gamescom: Opening Night Live, hosted by Geoff Keighley, which featured a series of world premieres and exclusive reveals.
Among the most anticipated announcements were the worldwide premiere of gameplay for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 and a new trailer for Resident Evil Requiem. Other major titles and updates showcased included The Outer Worlds 2, Ninja Gaiden 4, and news on Fallout Season 2.
While the event’s overall attendance record of 370,000 visitors from 2019 has yet to be surpassed, Gamescom’s digital reach continues to grow exponentially. Last year’s event saw a record 310 million video views for its online show program, with Opening Night Live alone garnering over 40 million views.
Beyond the entertainment, Gamescom also serves as a crucial business platform. The event attracts tens of thousands of trade visitors from across the globe, facilitating networking, business deals, and discussions on the future of the gaming industry. The addition of new country pavilions this year, including Argentina and Japan, further cements its role as a key global hub for the gaming community.
