Gamescom 2026, the world’s largest gaming event held in Cologne, Germany, kicks off on August 26. Gamescom has established itself as a premier international event where global game companies unveil new titles and industry professionals and gamers from around the world gather. This year’s event will once again feature numerous exhibitors, with hundreds of thousands of general visitors and business attendees expected to visit the Koelnmesse venue.
Compared to last year, Gamescom 2026 focuses on streamlining the event structure and expanding community programs. First, ‘Gamescom dev,’ a developer-focused conference, has been fully integrated into the main event to strengthen the connection between B2B and B2C sectors. Additionally, the ‘Gamescom Awesome Indies Show,’ co-produced with IGN, has expanded its spotlight on indie games. The event has also diversified participant-driven formats, such as hosting the ‘Gamescom GDQ’ speedrunning charity event offline for the first time in Europe and revamping subculture cosplay events.
Ahead of the opening, INVEN met with key organizers to discuss the newly introduced operational strategies and major changes. We spoke with Tim Endres, Director of Gamescom at Koelnmesse, and Felix Falk, Managing Director of the German Games Industry Association (game), to hear their thoughts on the business vision, global partnerships, and the Asian gaming market for Gamescom 2026.
Q. Gamescom has moved beyond the title of one of the world’s top three game shows to firmly establish itself as the ultimate hub for the global gaming community. What are the key goals or differentiators Gamescom is aiming for this year to solidify its position as an international hub?
Felix Falk = Gamescom has always been a place where the global gaming community comes together. Our record-breaking number of exhibitors, global diversity, and digital reach have supported this status. This year, we want to ensure that this ‘connectivity’ can be felt throughout Gamescom week. It begins with the close integration of ‘Gamescom dev,’ which opens the week for the developer community, and continues with formats that encompass all elements of gaming culture.
This year, we focused on providing more visibility and connection opportunities for our global partners. The evolution of the ‘Gamescom Awesome Indies Show,’ co-produced with IGN, is a prime example. We are also introducing ‘Gamescom GDQ,’ a community-driven charity event that both online and offline fans can participate in. Furthermore, the Event Arena will transform into a stage for various community highlights, such as the ‘Gamescom Cosplay Contest’ over four days, allowing visitors to feel the community bond throughout the venue.
Q. In last year’s interview, you emphasized the ‘evolution of Gamescom as a platform.’ I am curious about the new strategies you have prepared regarding viewing experiences or digital partnerships to connect the vibrant energy of the Cologne venue with viewers worldwide in real-time.
Tim Endres = The core of our platform strategy is to connect the energy of the Cologne venue to global audiences as directly as possible. The two examples Felix mentioned earlier illustrate this best.
First, we have invested heavily in the development of the ‘Gamescom Awesome Indies Show,’ produced by IGN and broadcast globally on August 27. This show will feature world-premiere trailers and gameplay footage, and we plan to focus more intensely on indie games exhibited at Gamescom through preview content and developer interviews.
Second, by hosting ‘Gamescom GDQ’—the world’s most active community-driven speedrun charity event—for the first time in Europe, we have created another window for global fans to participate in Gamescom via live streaming. These events, along with existing formats like ‘Gamescom Opening Night Live (ONL)’ and daily Gamescom studio content, reflect our goal of extending the festival’s heat beyond Cologne while keeping every digital moment closely linked to the on-site experience.
Q. One of the most notable highlights this year is ‘Gamescom GDQ (Games Done Quick).’ What is the background behind planning this, and what message do you hope to convey to gaming culture through this collaboration?
Felix Falk = GDQ, the U.S.-based speedrun charity format, has partnered with Gamescom 2026 to hold its first event in Europe. The launch of ‘Gamescom GDQ’ is a very meaningful moment for the speedrun community and creates perfect synergy with us.
Speedrunning demonstrates how dedicated and tight-knit the gaming community is. People gather to share their passion, cheer for incredible skills, and raise funds for a good cause. Through the three-day program, we will witness the dedication and passion of those who want to change the world.
This is the powerful message we want to emphasize. Gaming culture is about more than just playing games; it is about ‘what a community can achieve together.’ Through this event, we not only elevate the offline speedrun experience and provide European fans with a unique opportunity to enjoy GDQ in person, but we also fulfill Gamescom’s role as a fundraising platform supporting the ‘Gaming for Democracy’ campaign. Our entire team is already very excited to host this special event at this year’s Gamescom.
Q. The significant increase in investment for the ‘Gamescom Awesome Indies Show’ is also eye-catching. What steps have you taken to enhance the visibility of indie titles among the large AAA games at the event? Additionally, do you have a message for the global indie community?
Tim Endres: The indie area at Gamescom is a thriving space that attracts many visitors seeking out indie games. We have noticed an increase in global attention towards indie titles, with high participation from indie studios and publishers this year. To support indie games, we have expanded our investment in the ‘Gamescom Awesome Indies Show’ in partnership with IGN. This show will feature exclusive previews like world-premiere trailers, gameplay reveals, and developer interviews to help indie titles reach a wider audience and increase their visibility globally.
Our goal is to enhance the event quality and global buzz around indie games, meeting the demand from both the industry and players. We want Gamescom to be a premier platform for discovering new indie games. In addition to the show, indie studios can benefit from other formats like the Indie Area, Gamescom biz, Steam events, and the Invest Circle. These platforms provide opportunities to connect with fans, media, content creators, publishers, and investors.
To the indie developers, I want to convey this message: Whether you’re a small team, a solo developer, or working on your next big project, Gamescom is the perfect stage to showcase your game and build valuable business relationships.
Is there a specific message you would like to share with the global indie community?
Tim Endres: I want to emphasize that Gamescom is committed to supporting indie developers and providing them with a platform to shine amidst the larger AAA games. We recognize the talent and creativity of indie studios and aim to create opportunities for them to reach a global audience and establish meaningful connections within the industry. Gamescom is dedicated to showcasing the diversity and innovation of indie games and helping them thrive in the gaming industry. Improved systems at Gamescom have eliminated the need for separate registrations for business attendees, streamlining everything within the ‘Gamescom biz app.’ Operations have focused on ensuring a clear visitor flow, simplifying press coverage procedures, providing digital networking opportunities, and maintaining close coordination between teams.
The success of Asian exhibitors at Gamescom is expected to positively impact the expansion of events like ‘Gamescom Asia x Thailand Game Show’ and the formation of partnerships with major East Asian gaming organizations. By establishing additional Gamescom editions, opportunities are created for companies to enter various markets and for fans in different regions to experience Gamescom.
Regarding technological trends like AI and cloud computing, the discussion around these topics has expanded significantly in the B2B area and conference sessions. The German Games Industry Association views these trends as crucial for making game production faster and more cost-effective, although they emphasize that AI tools can never replace human creativity in game development.
Visitors to Gamescom 2026 are encouraged not to miss the entertainment area, the newer and expanded community experience including Gamescom GDQ and the indie area. Planning ahead is recommended, but leaving time to explore the venue and discover surprises is also important. Digital streams will be available for those unable to attend in person.
To Korean gamers and industry professionals following Gamescom through INVEN, the organizers express gratitude for their interest and passion for video games. Korea’s vibrant game market and community are valued in the global industry, and organizers hope everyone watching will enjoy the moments of Gamescom together, whether in person or online. We eagerly anticipate the day when we can welcome you in person at either the Gamescom venue in Germany or the ‘Gamescom Asia x Thailand Game Show’ in Thailand. Let’s look forward to that exciting opportunity! Please rewrite the following sentence for me.