Gamescom is the world's largest trade fair event for entertainment, computer and video games: Every year, up to 370,000 people flock to the Cologne exhibition halls on a weekend in August to immerse themselves in virtual worlds and test the latest games before they are released. Around 1150 exhibitors offer pure entertainment in several themed areas. The offer ranges from exclusive trial game areas and live shows to international e-sports events where big names from the scene compete in digital games.
The absolute hot spots on the site include two areas that couldn't be more different. In the so-called Cosplay Village - a "village" for costume fans and friends of Japanese pop culture - explorers can meet well-known figures from the gaming industry, the film and television world as well as manga and comics. They are portrayed by fans who have a great passion for handicrafts and acting.
Hybrid format
And what about PacMan, Bomberman and Super Mario and co. They are already waiting in the retro gaming area. The pixels jump around on historic CRT screens. Clubs dedicated to classic games have unpacked console milestones such as the first Playstation, the Sega Megadrive and the Super Nintendo.
Gamescom has been around since 2009 and the event has grown steadily since its first edition. Since 2022, the event has been thrilling even more video game fans around the world as a hybrid format.