368,000 visitors from 131 countries +++ More than 36,000 trade visitors +++ Digital reach of 624 million views +++ gamescom awesome indies show views up more than 670 percent

gamescom 2026 was more international than ever. 368,000 visitors from 131 countries gathered in Cologne to celebrate the diversity of gaming culture together. The number of people traveling from abroad was 6 percent higher than the previous year. International representation among exhibitors also reached a record high. Combined with a rise in trade visitors and 624 million views, gamescom once again underscored its global appeal and relevance for the international games industry.

Global industry presence and more top management

A total of 1,743 companies from 66 countries – 11 percent more than in 2025 – exhibited across a sold-out show floor of around 233,000 square meters, a first for the event. A record 72 percent of exhibitors came from abroad, with 48 country pavilions representing 41 countries. More than 36,000 trade visitors traveled to Cologne, with around 50 percent from abroad. The strongest growth came from Brazil, Canada, the Netherlands and the US. Alongside this growth, the share of top management also rose – further underscoring gamescom’s relevance as a business platform.

Games connect people well beyond Cologne

By Saturday evening alone gamescom’s digital content reached more than 624 million views around the world – including 78 million for gamescom Opening Night Live. The gamescom awesome indies show grew its digital reach by over 670 percent to 302,000 views. gamescom epix, the digital community adventure, also drew greater interest from players worldwide, generating 6.2 million page views – an increase of around 9 percent over the previous year.

gamescom GDQ marked the European premiere of the international speedrunning format Games Done Quick, highlighting the power the gaming community can achieve together. In recognition, the format received this year’s gamescom Heart of Gaming Award.

Felix Falk, Managing Director of game – the German Games Industry Association: “In 2026, gamescom has delivered an impressive statement about its role as the central platform for the international games industry. Many of last year’s record figures were surpassed, especially in terms of international participation and the number of exhibitors. The drive for the future can be felt here – it’s what again propels the industry forward this year despite the challenges – and what makes the gamescom atmosphere so unique.

Gerald Böse, President and Chief Executive Officer of Koelnmesse: “gamescom brings people from all over the world together, combining the economic and social significance of games on a scale like no other. This was an extremely successful gamescom and we are delighted by the event’s strong international character. It shows gamescom’s ever-growing importance as the leading platform for everyone who plays, develops and creates games.”

The new gamescom week

With gamescom dev now more closely integrated into gamescom week, the developer conference saw a 15 percent jump in registered participants to 6,200. The final report for gamescom dev 2026 can be found here.

Frank-Walter Steinmeier – the first Federal President to attend gamescom – opened the gamescom congress, where over 1,100 attendees discussed the potential of games. The final report for gamescom congress 2026 can be found here. 

gamescom 2027 will take place the week of August 23 to 29. The event kicks off with gamescom dev on August 23 and 24, followed by gamescom Opening Night Live on the evening of August 24. August 25 is Business and Media Day. Wildcard holders are granted access starting at 1 p.m. The event opens to the general public on August 26.

gamescom 2026 at a glance: 

368,000 visitors from 131 countries
Over 36,000 trade visitors, with strongest growth from Brazil, Canada, the Netherlands and the US
More than 624 million views for the entire show program (as of Saturday evening)
With more than 78 million views for gamescom Opening Night Live
With more than 302,000 views for gamescom awesome indies show
6.2 million page views for gamescom epix (as of Saturday evening) 
1,743 exhibitors from 66 countries, with a foreign share of 72 percent 
48 country pavilions from 41 countries 
Approximately 233,000 square meters of gross exhibition space 
Around 80,000 people at gamescom city festival