Gamescom 2026 has seen growth compared to previous editions, confirming its position in the gaming industry. The Cologne event, scheduled for August 24–30, 2026, has sold out its gross exhibition space, which totals 233,000 square meters.
Official figures released on the eve of the event indicate over 1,600 exhibitors from 67 countries, with a foreign share of 70%. The international offering is also represented by 47 national pavilions representing 40 countries, including new entries from Bulgaria, Morocco, Nigeria, Hungary, and Cyprus. In terms of public attendance, the so-called Wildcards and tickets valid for Saturday are sold out.
One of the key components of the 2026 edition is the gamescom indie area, which saw a 16% increase compared to the previous year. The area dedicated to independent developers hosts over 420 companies and hundreds of titles, confirming its position as one of the event's key hubs for independent productions.
The professional calendar opens on August 24 and 25 with the gamescom dev developer conference, featuring over 380 speakers and 230 sessions across 18 stages, with presentations by representatives of companies like Tencent Games and independent development studios. On August 27, the gamescom congress, opened by German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, focuses on the relationship between video games, democracy, and digital innovation. The gamescom invest circle, dedicated to startups and investors, is also held.
The offering for the public includes the streaming of various formats, including the gamescom Opening Night Live on August 25, the gamescom awesome indies show, the gamescom GDQ charity format, and content broadcast by the gamescom studio. The online and on-site offering is rounded out by the interactive gamescom epix activity and the gamescom city festival, scheduled for August 29 and 30 in Cologne.