Game on

International gaming exhibition Gamescom is preparing to break its own records following the unprecedented success of its 2024 edition. Organisers behind the event – which delivers a unique combination of gaming innovation on both a trade and a consumer level – have hinted that the forthcoming August show will be even more diverse, international and engaging that ever before, following its recent expansion into the new Confex Centre on the Koelnmesse exhibition grounds.

“Games are the gateway to the future,” says Felix Falk, managing director of the German Games Industry Association, which organises the event in conjunction with Kolenmesse GmbH. “The surge in international participation across multiple sectors firmly establishes Gamescom as one of the most renowned global event brands for years to come. Last year’s edition once again underscored the tremendous societal, cultural and technological impact of games, and why countries worldwide are eagerly vying to become the top destination for the gaming industry.”

Of 1462 exhibitors last year, 121 originated from the UK, and it’s a percentage that is tipped to increase for the 2025 edition. For those UK companies making the journey over to Cologne, partnering with the right stand builder is essential when it comes to ensuring smooth logistics, clear communication and complete confidence in the delivery of results on site.

“We are seeing a year-on-year increase in the number of overseas installations that we are undertaking, and Germany in particular is a massive focus with major events in Dortmund, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Dusseldorf, as well as Cologne,” says Smart Display’s marketing manager Christina Chambers. “Our exhibitors tell us that the combination of having language barrier-free communication throughout the design process and our international expertise of dealing with customs, logistics and international installation ensure a seamless and stress-free exhibiting experience, particularly since Brexit.”

Smart Display are international installers of exhibition stands all over Europe.

Map showing Smart Display’s range of installations across Europe last year.

Any UK gaming brands looking to exhibit at this year’s Gamescom are advised to appoint their exhibition stand builder as soon as possible after booking their space to maximise the potential of their exhibition presence. And with around 1,500 brands expected to exhibit across 230,000 sq m of exhibition space, standing out from the competition is more essential than ever.

From a trade perspective, Gamescom is growing in prevalence with regards to its B2B presence. Set within the vibrant and often theatrical context of the world’s largest consumer event for gaming, the specified B2B areas attracted 32,000 trade visitors last year – representing around ten per cent of the event’s total attendance of 335,000 visitors.

Gamescom 2025 takes place from 20-24 August at the Koelnmesse, with an opening night heralding the start of the show on 19 August. If you have booked your space at the exhibition, talk to us about how we can design, project manage and install your exhibition stand #wemakeevents.

At a glance;

  • 335,000 visitors from 120 countries
  • Over 32,000 trade visitors
  • 1462 exhibitors from 64 countries
  • 150 experts delivering content in 70 sessions across eight stages
  • A total of 230,000 sq m of exhibition space