Cologne/Berlin, 24 August 2025 - gamescom 2025 ends with numerous new records and strong momentum for the games industry in Germany and worldwide. Records were once again set, particularly in terms of key figures such as internationality (70 per cent of visitors from abroad, exhibitors from 72 countries), digital reach (more than 630 million views worldwide by Saturday evening alone), exhibition space (233,000 square metres) and the number of exhibitors (1,568). On site, 357,000 fans visited the world's largest festival of games culture. The number of trade visitors rose to 34,000, with a particularly strong increase in participants from the USA, China, Canada and Japan.
"This year, gamescom 2025 is sending out a particularly positive signal. After two challenging years for the games industry, you could really feel the mood improving this year. The new record figures underline not only the global appeal of gamescom, but also the upward trend in the entire games industry," says Felix Falk, Managing Director of game – The German Games Industry Association, the co-organiser of gamescom. "gamescom 2025 is also a milestone for the German games industry: political support for the additional tax-based games funding at gamescom was stronger than ever – from both the federal and the state level alike. This creates hope that progress will be made quickly. But there were also positive signals on many other political topics, whether for e-sports from Federal Minister Bär at the political opening or from Federal Minister for Family Affairs Kathrin Prien, who was just as convinced of the important work of the USK in the protection of minors as she was of the enormous potential of games for the education sector."
Political interest in gamescom 2025 was greater than ever before. In total, over 600 politicians came to Cologne to see for themselves the current developments in the games industry and the enormous economic, cultural and technological potential of games. Whether from the federal states, the federal government or the EU, the political guests came from all levels. In addition, a particularly large number of international delegations travelled to gamescom, for example from this year's gamescom partner country Thailand as well as from Brazil, Indonesia and India.
gamescom 2026 will take place from 26 to 30 August. It will open on 25 August 2026 with the gamescom Opening Night Live.
About gamescom
gamescom is the world's largest and leading games event for the entire community and industry. gamescom 2026 runs from 26 to 30 August. It will open on 25 August 2026 with the gamescom Opening Night Live. gamescom is jointly organised by Koelnmesse and the game association of the German games industry.
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.
Press contact:
Martin Puppe
game – The German Games Industry Association
Friedrichstraße 165
10117 Berlin
Germany
Phone: +49 (0)30 2408779-20
Email: martin.puppe@game.de
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