GC 2025 Press release

devcom developer conference becomes "gamescom dev"

Starting in October 2025, the devcom developer conference, Europe’s leading conference for game developers, will be renamed gamescom dev. This change firmly integrates the event into the gamescom brand family and strengthens its presence in the international gaming industry.

Stephan Reichart, Managing Director of game events GmbH and organizer of the devcom developer conference, had this to say: “I am delighted about devcom’s upgrade in positioning and its inclusion among the key gamescom sub-brands. We’ve had an incredible, exciting and at times very challenging journey with devcom over the years. Right from the start, people kept asking, ‘So you’re the game developer side of gamescom?’ That is why we decided to add the subtitle, The official game developer conference of gamescom. Now, everyone gets it – everything related to developer content happens at gamescom dev – which I think is awesome!”

Felix Falk, Managing Director of game – The German Games Industry Association and co-organizer of gamescom says, “The devcom developer conference has rapidly grown into one of the world’s most important events for game developers. It has become a key pillar of the gamescom family. By renaming it gamescom dev, we aim to create greater synergies with the other gamescom formats and tap into new opportunities through closer integration with the gamescom brand world. This will take our success story to the next level.”

“Renaming the conference to gamescom dev allows us to fully integrate it into our unified, globally recognizable brand architecture. The new name is short, clear and understood worldwide, ensuring high recognition. This allows us to communicate more directly with our target group and emphasizes the strong connection to gamescom,” says Oliver Frese, COO and Managing Director of Koelnmesse.

The formula for success remains the same. Since its premiere in 2017, the conference has been a platform for high-quality knowledge sharing, peer-to-peer networking and a robust business network. Trade visitors from around the world gain deep insights into the latest trends, technologies and best practices in game development – from inspiring keynotes and panels to hands-on workshops and targeted matchmaking sessions. A variety of side events, including developer nights, award ceremonies and receptions also provide additional extensive networking opportunities.    

About gamescom:
gamescom is the world’s largest and leading event for computer and video games. It brings together the international gaming community and entire games industry in a unique way, both in person in Cologne and digitally.. gamescom 2025 will take place from August 20 to 24. The event will kick off on August 19, 2025 with gamescom Opening Night Live. gamescom is jointly organized by Koelnmesse and game – The German Games Industry Association.

Koelnmesse – industry trade fairs for the gaming sector:
Koelnmesse is an international leader in organising trade fairs in the gaming and entertainment segments. Hosted at the trade fair grounds in Cologne, Germany, gamescom is the world’s largest event for computer and video games and Europe’s largest business platform for the games industry. gamescom brings together passionate gamers, trade visitors, and exhibitors from across the world with a highly effective approach – in person at the venue and digitally from anywhere in the world. This makes gamescom the premier B2C, B2B, and B2G gaming event. In addition to the event at its Cologne headquarters, Koelnmesse is strategically expanding its portfolio internationally: In Singapore, gamescom asia provides an additional powerful industry platform for the rapidly growing Asia-Pacific games market, comprehensively combining supply and demand. Koelnmesse Brasil is a subsidiary of Koelnmesse GmbH in São Paulo, dedicated to promoting and organising world-class trade fairs and events in Brazil. The mission is to bring global innovation, knowledge and business opportunities to various industries.

game – The German Games Industry Association
We are the association of the German games industry. Our members represent the entire video game ecosystem, from development studios and publishers to esports event organisers, educational institutions and other related entities. We are co-organisers of gamescom, the world’s biggest event for video games. We are a shareholder in the Entertainment Software Self-Regulation Body (USK), the Foundation for Digital Games Culture, the esports player foundation, game events and the collecting society VHG, as well as co-host of the German Computer Game Awards. Serving as a central point of contact for media, as well as political and social institutions, we provide comprehensive expertise in areas including market development, game culture and media literacy, and address any inquiries or concerns. Together we are making Germany the heart of gaming worldwide. With games, we enrich the lives of all people.

Further information:
www.gamescom.global

The next events:
devcom, Cologne, Germany, 17.-19.08.2025
gamescom, Cologne, Germany 20.-24.08.2025
gamescom asia x Thailand Game Show, Bangkok, Thailand, 16.-19.10.2025
gamescom latam, São Paulo, Brazil 29.04.-03.05.2026

Note for editorial offices:
gamescom photos are available here: Image and video database | gamescom

Press releases can be found at: Press releases gamescom - ⁠If you reprint this document, please send us a sample copy.  
Your contacts:

Marvin Grollius
Public and Media Relations Manager
Phone: + 49 (0)221 821 2265
e-mail: m.grollius@koelnmesse.de    

Simon Krenkel
Public and Media Relations Manager
Phone: +49 176 12562720
e-mail: s.krenkel@koelnmesse.de