Koelnmesse GmbH endeavors to make its websites accessible in accordance with the legal provisions.

This declaration on accessibility applies to https://www.gamescom.global as well as to independent websites under this domain (subdomains).

1. Status of compatibility with accessibility requirements

This website is partially compatible with the requirements due to the following incompatibilities and exceptions.

2. Non-accessible content

Despite our efforts, the following content is currently not yet accessible The following content:

a) Alternative texts (WCAG 1.1.1)

Most images and logos either do not have any alternative text at all or only have alternative text that is not very meaningful.
Some of the alt attributes contain duplicate information.

b) Structure and semantics (WCAG 1.3.1, 2.4.6)

Headings do not always follow a logical hierarchy.
Some sections are not marked as landmark rolls.
Most pages lack clear page titles.

c) Contrasts (WCAG 1.4.3, 1.4.11)

Some UI elements (e.g. buttons, input fields, icons, links) with white text on a turquoise brand color sometimes have too little color contrast.
In the language selection field, the language not selected has insufficient contrast.

d) Scaling and pagination (WCAG 1.4.4, 1.4.10)

The zoom and scaling function is technically deactivated for the entire page, even if manual enlargement is generally possible.
In the open navigation, texts are not wrapped correctly when the screen size is reduced, so that they are overlapped by images or other text elements and become difficult to read.

e) Keyboard operation (WCAG 2.1.1)

Scrollable areas cannot be reached and operated with the keyboard.

f) Bypassing blocks (WCAG 2.4.1)

Content blocks cannot be skipped using skip links, so you cannot go directly to the main content.

g) Focus order (WCAG 2.4.3)

The focus sequence deviates from the visual structure (e.g. search field before navigation).
In the navigation, non-visible elements are accessed first before the actual navigation points are reached.

h) Link purpose (WCAG 2.4.4)

Some links are not clearly labeled or contain no perceptible link text.
Many links have identical names (e.g. "More info", "Learn more", "gamescom"), but refer to different target pages.

i) Comprehensibility (WCAG 3.2.2)

The send button is missing in the newsletter area in the footer, so that the form cannot be sent directly.

j) Technical barriers (WCAG 4.1.1)

The same IDs are assigned to different elements on the page.

k) PDF files

Overall, numerous accessibility problems were identified, including missing alternative texts, structuring and hierarchy errors in headings and tags, contrast problems and errors in the reading order and navigation.

3. Creation of this declaration on accessibility

This declaration was prepared between 28.05.2025 and 10.06.2025.

The declaration is based on a self-assessment and was last reviewed on 16.06.2025.

4. Feedback and contact details

Have you discovered barriers on our website?

Please let us know so that we can take action. Ideally, you should name a specific page (with URL) on which the problem is occurring, your browser version (e.g. Firefox, Chrome etc.) and your operating system (e.g. Mac OS, Windows, iOS, Android).

Contact: barrierefreiheit@koelnmesse.de

5. Possibility of lodging a complaint with an enforcement body

If Koelnmesse GmbH does not respond to your request within the legally stipulated period, you can contact the ombudsman's office for barrier-free information technology of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

The ombudsman's office for barrier-free information technology in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia is assigned to the state government's representative for people with disabilities in North Rhine-Westphalia. The ombudsman's office can be contacted on 0211/8553451 or by e-mail: ombudsstelle-barrierefreie-it@mags.nrw.de