368,000 visitors from 131 countries +++ Over 36,000 trade visitors +++ Digital reach of 624 million views +++ gamescom awesome indies show increases views by over 670%
gamescom 2026 was its most international edition ever: 368,000 visitors from 131 countries came to Cologne to experience the diversity of gaming culture together. International visitors increased by 6% compared to the previous year. On the exhibitor side, internationality also reached a record level. Combined with growth in trade visitors and 624 million digital views, gamescom once again underscores its global reach and relevance for the international gaming industry.
Global industry presence and more top management
A total of 1,743 companies — 11% more than in 2025 — from 66 countries exhibited across approximately 233,000 square meters of exhibition space, fully booked for the first time. The share of international exhibitors reached 72%, the highest ever. The offering was complemented by 48 country pavilions from 41 countries. Over 36,000 trade visitors came to Cologne, with approximately 50% traveling from abroad. The strongest growth came from Brazil, Canada, the Netherlands, and the United States. Alongside this growth, the share of top management attendees also increased — further proof of gamescom’s relevance as a business platform.
Games connect people far beyond Cologne
Globally, gamescom’s digital content generated over 624 million views by Saturday evening alone. Of these, 78 million were for the gamescom Opening Night Live. The gamescom awesome indies show increased its digital reach by over 670%, reaching 302,000 views. The digital community adventure gamescom epix also attracted even greater interest from players worldwide, reaching 6.2 million page views — around 9% more than the previous year.
With gamescom GDQ, the international speedrunning format Games Done Quick made its European debut and highlighted the power the gaming community can generate when united. The format was honored this year with the gamescom Heart of Gaming Award.
“In 2026, gamescom impressively reaffirms its role as the central platform for the international gaming industry. Several records from the previous year were surpassed, especially in internationality and the number of exhibitors. This is where the excitement for the future that drives the gaming industry becomes visible — despite some challenges — and that defines gamescom’s unique atmosphere.” — Felix Falk, Managing Director of game (The German Games Industry Association)
“gamescom brings people from all over the world together and connects the economic and social relevance of games in a unique dimension. We look back on an extremely successful gamescom and are very pleased with the strong internationality of the event. It highlights the ever-growing importance of gamescom as the leading platform for everyone who plays, develops, and shapes games.” — Gerald Böse, CEO of Koelnmesse
The new gamescom week
With the stronger integration of gamescom dev into the gamescom week, the developer conference recorded a 15% increase in registered participants, reaching 6,200.
As the first President of the Federal Republic of Germany to attend a gamescom, Frank-Walter Steinmeier opened the gamescom congress, where over 1,100 visitors discussed the potential of games.
gamescom 2027 takes place during the week of 23 to 29 August. gamescom dev opens the program on 23 and 24 August, followed by gamescom Opening Night Live on the evening of 24 August. 25 August is the trade visitor and media day. From 26 August, gamescom is open to all.
gamescom 2026 at a glance
- 368,000 visitors from 131 countries
- Over 36,000 trade visitors, with the strongest growth from Brazil, Canada, the Netherlands, and the USA
- Over 624 million views across the entire show program (through Saturday evening)
- 78 million views for the gamescom Opening Night Live
- Over 302,000 views for the gamescom awesome indies show
- 6.2 million page views for gamescom epix (through Saturday evening)
- 1,743 exhibitors from 66 countries, with 72% international share
- 48 country pavilions from 41 countries
- Approximately 233,000 square meters of gross exhibition space
- Around 80,000 people at the gamescom city festival
About gamescom:
gamescom is the world’s biggest gaming event and the most important business platform for the international games industry. From 23 to 29 August 2027, it brings together developers, trade visitors, companies, and millions of fans from around the world — on site in Cologne and digitally across the globe. The week opens on 23 August with the developer conference gamescom dev. gamescom then opens to the public on the evening of 24 August with the major opening show gamescom Opening Night Live. Throughout the week, gamescom offers a unique blend of entertainment, business, and community experience. Alongside gamescom in Cologne, gamescom latam in São Paulo and gamescom asia x Thailand Game Show in Bangkok have established themselves as further successful international gamescom editions.
Upcoming events:
gamescom asia x Thailand Game Show — 29 October to 1 November 2026, Bangkok, Thailand
gamescom lan — 19 to 21 February 2027, Cologne, Germany
gamescom latam — 22 to 25 April 2027, São Paulo, Brazil
gamescom dev — 23 to 24 August 2027, Cologne, Germany
gamescom — 25 to 29 August 2027, Cologne, Germany
gamescom Opening Night Live — 24 August 2027
Press contact:
Marvin Grollius Public and Media Relations Manager Phone: +49 221 821 2265 Email: m.grollius@koelnmesse.de
Simon Krenkel Public and Media Relations Manager Phone: +49 221 821 3836 Email: s.krenkel@koelnmesse.de
