Boost in Gamescom Attendees Significant
Gamescom 2023 Breaks Records in Cologne
Gamescom, the world's largest computer and video game trade fair, returned to Cologne this year and set new standards of size, diversity, and international reach. Organised by Koelnmesse in collaboration with game - the German Games Industry Association, the event attracted 357,000 visitors, surpassing the number from the previous year.
The CEO of the industry association Game, Felix Falk, expressed his delight, stating that Gamescom underscores the positive power of games, the industry, and the global community. He also highlighted that the event continues to grow, becoming bigger, more diverse, and more international than ever before.
The trend of handheld consoles, or consoles with a mini-display, was visible at this year's Gamescom, a nod to its predecessor, the Gameboy. Among the many exhibitors representing 72 countries, Ubisoft showcased its new game "Anno 187: Pax Romana", a spin-off of the strategy classic "Anno 1800" set in ancient times.
The online reach of Gamescom developed positively this year, with up to Saturday evening of the event, 630 million viewers following it online, setting a new record. However, specific viewer numbers were not provided for the entire duration of the event.
Despite the large crowds and visitors spending a lot of time in lines, the Gamescom will take place again in Cologne next year, after speculation about a potential move to Berlin. The event remains the most important festival of games culture, a title it has held for many years.
Looking back, the highest number of visitors at Gamescom was recorded in 2019, with 373,000 attendees. The association Game and Koelnmesse extended their contract in the spring for the long term, ensuring that Gamescom will continue to be held in Cologne. In 2024, Gamescom had 335,000 attendees.
As the world of gaming continues to evolve, so does Gamescom, promising another exciting event next year in Cologne.
