Inside Gamescom: How Cologne Becomes the World’s Gaming Capital
▼ Summary
– Gamescom 2025 was the largest edition to date, attracting over 350,000 visitors and featuring more than 1,500 exhibitors across a record 233,000 square meters of space.
– The event expanded its international reach with a focus on strengthening Gamescom Latam in São Paulo and Gamescom Asia in Singapore, including a new partnership with the Thailand Game Show.
– Gaming hardware manufacturers are a key component of Gamescom, providing opportunities for hands-on demos and showcasing upcoming products from brands like Asus ROG and Turtle Beach.
– The city of Cologne is integral to Gamescom’s identity, transforming into a festival with enhanced public transport, free concerts, and city-wide activities that create a unique atmosphere.
– Organizers prioritized accessibility and inclusivity by expanding the indie area, improving crowd flow, and developing hybrid experiences like Gamescom Epix for a safer and more comfortable event.
Each year, the vibrant city of Cologne transforms into the undisputed global hub for gaming enthusiasts, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors to Gamescom, the world’s largest gaming event. The 2025 edition shattered previous records, welcoming over 350,000 attendees and cementing its reputation as an essential destination for industry professionals and fans alike.
Organizers Tim Endres and Stefan Heikhaus reflected on the event’s unprecedented growth. Endres emphasized that this year’s gathering was the most expansive yet, featuring more than 1,500 exhibitors from 72 countries spread across a record-breaking 233,000 square meters. Both the entertainment and indie zones expanded significantly, offering richer experiences and new attractions like the social stage and tabletop gaming section.
Heikhaus highlighted the strategic international expansion of the Gamescom brand, with successful satellite events in Latin America and Asia. He confirmed that while no new locations are currently planned, Gamescom Asia will collaborate with the Thailand Game Show, merging their efforts to create a premier event for consumers and trade professionals in the region.
A major draw for many visitors is the extensive presence of gaming hardware manufacturers. Unlike other large-scale events, Gamescom offers unparalleled access to hands-on demos of upcoming gear, from high-performance controllers and immersive racing rigs to cutting-edge headsets and PC components. Brands like Razer, Turtle Beach, and Corsair use the event to engage directly with their audience.
Endres stressed the importance of hardware makers to the event’s ecosystem, noting that without the right equipment, gaming itself wouldn’t exist. He pointed to the Asus ROG Xbox Ally as a standout example of collaboration between hardware and software giants, illustrating how deeply integrated these companies are within the Gamescom experience.
Beyond the exhibition halls, the city of Cologne itself plays a vital role in the event’s charm and success. The entire city embraces the festival atmosphere, with improved public transport, special accommodations, and a weekend city festival complete with live music, food trucks, and gaming-themed activities. This partnership between event organizers and local institutions creates a unique, city-wide celebration that benefits residents and visitors alike.
Accessibility and inclusivity remain central to the event’s ongoing evolution. Recent improvements include a larger indie zone, better crowd management, enhanced hybrid offerings like Gamescom Epix, and a stronger focus on creating a safe and welcoming environment for all participants. These efforts ensure that Gamescom continues to set the standard for what a global gaming event can and should be.
(Source: techradar)
