Gamescom to Remain in Cologne with Expansion Plans

Cologne - In a significant development for the global gaming community, Gamescom, the world's largest video and computer games fair, will continue to be hosted in Cologne. The organizers, the game association and Koelnmesse, have announced a long-term extension of their collaboration, although the specific duration of the new contract has not been disclosed. The most recent extension prior to this announcement occurred in 2019.

Since its inception in 2009, Gamescom has established itself as the premier event for computer and video games in North Rhine-Westphalia, attracting a massive audience year after year. The event has continually broken attendance and engagement records; in 2024, for instance, it garnered over 500 million video views online, marking an unprecedented milestone. A record 1,462 exhibitors from 64 countries showcased their latest games, hardware, and innovative services at the previous year's event.

The upcoming Gamescom is scheduled for August 20 to 24, 2025, and is expected to draw even larger crowds and more exhibitors. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience unreleased games firsthand, often waiting in long lines to participate.

Gerald Böse, the CEO of Koelnmesse, emphasized the successful partnership between Cologne and Gamescom, referring to it as an excellent match that has proven fruitful over the years. The long-term extension allows for further development of Gamescom alongside its satellite events, including Gamescom Asia and Gamescom Latam, as well as the devcom and Gamescom LAN activities.

Gamescom's success has led to the establishment of various international editions, with events now taking place in Brazil and Asia, highlighting its global appeal. This year, the event will also feature a second XXL-LAN party, where over 3,500 gamers will gather for a massive gaming session, further showcasing the festival's commitment to community engagement.