Protection of minors and visitor rules at gamescom
gamescom stands for fun, entertainment and safe gaming. This is why protecting children and young people is so important to us. As our partner for the protection of minors, the USK (Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle) ensures that all visitors have a safe experience on site.
For more information, visit gamescom-kids.de (only in german language):
Please note!
Children under the age of four will not be admitted, even if accompanied by their parents!
Important rules have therefore been put in place to protect children and young people:
Protecting the little ones
The exhibition halls at gamescom can be very busy, which often leads to high noise levels. Therefore, please note that children under the age of four are not permitted to enter, even if they are accompanied by a parent or authorised guardians.
Accompanying minors
Children under the age of 12 may only visit gamescom if they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Children over the age of 12 may attend the event unaccompanied. All games and trailers that are publicly accessible in the exhibition area have been approved by the USK without age restriction or with the age rating “USK ab 6” or “USK ab 12”.
Age restrictions for games
Some games are only authorised for players of a certain age. Coloured USK labels indicate the minimum age for playing a game. Access to games with a 16 or 18 rating is controlled using coloured wristbands. Areas with a 12 age rating are accessible to everyone, but games may only be played there by those aged 12 and over.
Proof of age for a safe gamescom experience
Access is controlled with coloured wristbands. Anyone wishing to play these games must present a valid photo ID at one of issuing points to receive a coloured wristband for the corresponding age group. For under-16s, for example, a school ID with date of birth and photo is valid. This is the only way visitors can gain access to age-restricted event areas. Please note that there are no exceptions. Parental accompaniment or declarations of consent are insufficient and do not replace proof of age for areas with age restrictions.
Together we will make sure that gamescom is a great experience for everyone!
gamescom 4 kids
On our new website just for kids, you can find out everything you need to know about your visit to gamescom:
- What to bring
- Which areas are open to your age group
- How to stay safe and have fun at the show
Unfortunately, gamescom 4 kids is currently only available in German.
The USK in the ‘retro & family area’
In Germany, the USK tests games and assigns them an age rating. It considers all aspects that could cause concern for children and young people. This includes not only the content of games, but also additional game mechanics such as chat functions, loot boxes and in-game purchases. USK age ratings are an important guide when choosing digital games. They help parents make an informed decision about a game's suitability for their child, as well as adjust the settings on their devices accordingly.
The USK has its own stand in the 'Retro & Family Area' of Hall 10.2. There, families can find out more about youth protection in digital games.
Exciting talks take place every day, offering insights into the work of the USK. The USK team will also be happy to answer your questions about age ratings and provide practical advice on how children can safely and securely explore the world of digital games. Visitors can also try their hand at the special video game quiz and win this year's USK shirt!
Visit the USK in the Retro & Family Area in Hall 10.2 at Stand C-009!
Please note that the coloured wristbands for accessing age-restricted areas are not available at the USK stand. The issue points are located at the entrances to the exhibition centre.
Yuck! A bug that doesn't care about age ratings!
Click on it to make it disappear!