Gamescom expands to record numbers

Cologne hosts a record show with the largest floor area and exhibitor count in Gamescom history.

Gamescom expands to 1500 exhibitors and record space

This year Gamescom in Cologne runs from August 20 to 24 and will host more than 1,500 exhibitors from 72 countries. The event covers 233,000 square metres of floor space, the largest in the festival’s history. Opening Night Live will take place in Hall 1 and will feature a 5,000 seat stage with advanced technical infrastructure. Koelnmesse president and CEO Gerald Böse praised the numbers as a sign of the event’s economic relevance and international reach. The exhibitor list includes major players such as Nintendo, Xbox, Capcom, Ubisoft, Bethesda, and Tencent Games, among others. Organisers highlight a hybrid format and growing registrations as signs of sustained momentum. Geoff Keighley will host Opening Night Live, and Activision is the first partner confirmed for a World Reveal of Call of Duty Black Ops 7.

The scale shift at Gamescom reflects a larger push by the gaming industry to blend live experiences with digital reach. A record crowd and floor space suggest a durable appetite for in-person events, while the array of publishers and the promise of major reveals signal a healthy market for new content. The hybrid approach aims to capture both a global audience and a local economy that benefits from visitor spending and media attention. Yet the size and pace bring risks, including rising costs and the challenge of delivering meaningful value beyond the hype.

Highlights

Industry watchers will see if momentum translates into lasting growth for the next edition