Gamescom is the biggest games event in the world and held in Köln, Germany. (Kat Nickola)
I’m not the most dedicated gamer, but I do have 100 percent completion in “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.” I get obsessed with open world exploration, as long as there isn’t a high-bar expectation for fighting skills.
My teenage son, on the other hand, built his own gaming PC this year after being inspired to do so last August at Gamescom in Cologne (Köln), Germany.
Gamescom claims to be “The biggest games event in the world,” and I can verify that it is MASSIVE. The conference takes over the huge Kölnmesse conference center, just across the Rhine from the center of historic Köln. Over 11 halls are filled with gaming-related areas. The event is both a conference for gaming business professionals like developers and a fan con where the public can come learn about the cutting edge of gaming.
This year, Gamescom is open to the public Aug. 20-24, 2025.
Gamescom is the biggest games event in the world and held in Köln, Germany. ()
Gamescom is the biggest games event in the world and held in Köln, Germany. ()
The highlight is the five-hall-big entertainment area where the big names in gaming show off their upcoming releases, influencers battle live in front of audiences and the stands are walk-through works of interactive art.
There is also a massive marketplace selling items from every fandom, and one of my favorite spots, an artist area where you can buy handmade or custom items directly from the creator.
The Gamescom marketplace is massive and has things for every gaming fan. (Kat Nickola)
The Gamescom marketplace is massive and has things for every gaming fan. (Kat Nickola)
Cosplay also features heavily. I sometimes feel like an NPC (non-player character) walking around Gamescom in just jeans and my Zelda shirt; maybe one of these years I’ll cosplay my favorite Korok seed.
Beyond the large brands, you can find a sizeable space dedicated to table games, a retro games area, equipment sales, creator spaces and plenty of food scattered throughout. I’m happy to report that there is also ample outdoor space with courtyards between many of the halls that offer some respite.
There is a large area for table and retro games. (Kat Nickola)
Outdoor spaces at Gamescom provide some breathing room. (Kat Nickola)
This year, my teen and I will be sure to spend a bit more time in the Campus Area where schools and training centers offer opportunities for students interested in getting into the gaming industry.
As I mentioned, this is not just a fan con, it’s a business convention. The affiliated Devcom (developer conference) occurs during the two days prior to Gamescom, and there are multiple halls that are only accessible to gaming business professionals.
My favorite space to spend time in is the Indie Area where you can beta-test new games from independent and small developers. These developers are often on hand taking notes about user experiences and happy to hear feedback about gameplay. Last year, I spent nearly an hour playing as a piece of mucus in a game traveling around a body; the dev learned a lot and it was super fun to see them get excited as I figured things out (and to take notes when I couldn’t).
The Indie Area is a space to beta-test new games from independent and small-business developers. ()
he Indie Area is a space to beta-test new games from independent and small-business developers. ()
he Indie Area is a space to beta-test new games from independent and small-business developers. ()
I look forward to Gamescom every year; it’s a must-attend event for my family. We book hotels early and stay near the conference center, but you don’t need to shell out a ton of cash. Your ticket includes the use of public transit, which allows you to shop around for a good deal.
Buy “private visitor” tickets in advance at the official Gamescom website! You will need to make an account. Bring a printed copy.
Kids under 4 are not permitted at Gamescom, and those between 5 and 12 must be accompanied by an adult. There is a supervised juniors’ club for this age group, if parents would like some time alone.
Age ratings on games are strictly followed. Bring an ID with your birthdate to get a free colored wristband so you can play games rated over 16.
Print the free public transit pass that accompanies your ticket purchase. I don’t recommend driving, though paid parking is available.
There are five entrances to Gamescom at the Kölnmesse; lines can be long first thing in the morning. There is both a train station and a subway/tram station called “Köln Messe/Deutz” for the South and Confex entrances, while the “Koelnmesse” subway/tram station provides access to the east, west and north entrances.
Wear comfortable shoes for lots of walking.
Bring a water bottle to refill.
Card payments are the norm. (But I always like to have some cash just in case).
If you intend to cosplay (go for it!), be sure to read the rules about weapons.
