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Gamescom 2026: Everything Exhibitors Need to Know
February 18, 2026
From early bird registration to on-site strategy — everything you need to know about Gamescom 2026, Europe’s largest gaming event.
Gamescom 2026 Everything Exhibitors Need to Know
Why Gamescom 2026 Should Be on Your Radar
Gamescom 2026 is shaping up to be the most ambitious edition of Europe’s largest gaming event yet. Held every August at the Koelnmesse complex in Cologne, Germany, Gamescom has become the definitive stage where the gaming industry reveals its future. With record-breaking attendance of 357,000 visitors from 128 countries in 2025 and over 630 million digital impressions worldwide, this is no longer just a European trade show — it is the stage where the gaming industry reveals its future.
For studios, publishers, and gaming brands aiming to reach both industry professionals and passionate consumers, Gamescom 2026 offers unmatched dual access to B2B and B2C audiences in a single event. Whether you are launching a new title, scouting partnerships, or building brand awareness on a global scale, a presence at Gamescom 2026 could be the most impactful marketing investment you make this year.
Why Gamescom 2026 Is the One Event You Can’t Skip
Gamescom 2026 is Europe’s largest gaming event — and after a record-breaking 2025, expectations are higher than ever. If you’re a studio, publisher, or gaming brand looking to reach both industry insiders and consumers on a global stage, Gamescom 2026 is the most cost-efficient, high-reach event on the calendar.
Gamescom 2025 at a Glance
Before planning for 2026, it helps to understand just how big Gamescom has become.
| Metric | 2025 Figure |
|---|---|
| Venue | 233,000 m² across Koelnmesse |
| Total Visitors | 357,000+ from 128 countries |
| Exhibitors | 1,568 companies from 72 countries |
| B2B Trade Visitors | 34,000+ |
| Opening Night Live Views | 72 million (live) |
| ONL Total Online Reach | 630 million+ impressions |
These numbers make one thing clear: Gamescom is no longer just a European trade show. It is one of the most-watched moments in the global games calendar.
Gamescom 2026 Key Dates & Schedule
| Program | Dates |
|---|---|
| gamescom dev (formerly devcom) | August 23–25, 2026 |
| Opening Night Live | August 25, 2026 (evening) |
| Business & Media Day | August 26, 2026 |
| B2B Days | August 26–28, 2026 |
| B2C / Public Days | August 26–30, 2026 |
| Venue | Koelnmesse, Cologne, Germany |
B2B runs Wednesday through Friday — dedicated to publishers, platform holders, press, and investors. B2C opens Thursday through Sunday, bringing in hundreds of thousands of consumers ready to play, react, and share. One event, two entirely different audiences.
gamescom dev (the former devcom conference) now runs under the Gamescom umbrella — a useful pre-show window for developer-focused networking and sessions before the main event begins.
Opening Night Live 2026
Opening Night Live (ONL) is the annual pre-show broadcast hosted by Geoff Keighley. In 2025 it drew 72 million live viewers and 630 million total online impressions — making it one of the highest-reach moments in gaming media.
Sponsorship in ONL is a separate investment from your booth, with minimum eligibility requirements (B2C booth of 100 m²+ or an official B2C activation).
ONL 2026 Integrated Airtime Rates
| 30 sec | 60 sec | 90 sec | 120 sec | 150 sec | 180 sec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-show | €63,000 | €92,000 | €120,000 | €150,000 | €180,000 | €210,000 |
| Main Show | €155,000 | €225,000 | €300,000 | €370,000 | €440,000 | €510,000 |
ONL sponsorship is best suited to brands with a major announcement or launch timed to Gamescom — the audience is already primed for reveals.
Booth Registration for Gamescom 2026
The single most impactful decision you’ll make is when you register. Early bird applicants get approximately €15/m² off the standard rate and, more importantly, priority booth placement — high-traffic locations go fast.
Applications are submitted through the official Gamescom exhibitor portal and go through a review process before hall and location assignments are made. Companies with consecutive years of participation often receive preferential placement.
Booth Registration & Location Tips
Gamescom 2026 Booth Cost (Early Bird)
| Stand Type | Up to 150 m² | Up to 500 m² |
|---|---|---|
| Terrace (1 open side) | ~€183.50/m² | ~€163.50/m² |
| Corner (2 open sides) | ~€190.00/m² | ~€171.00/m² |
| Head (3 open sides) | ~€196.00/m² | ~€178.00/m² |
| Island (4 open sides) | ~€202.00/m² | ~€184.50/m² |
B2B-only: €114.00/m² (early bird) — note that B2B-only participants pay an additional €500 surcharge.
Beyond the space rental, budget for: energy costs, facility deposits, the mandatory German Trade Fair Industry Fund contribution, and your booth design and build-out.
Gamescom 2026 Exhibitor Checklist
- • Register early — save on costs and lock in a prime location before inventory runs out.
- • Define your objective — B2B deal-making, consumer activation, media coverage, or all three? Your goal determines everything from booth size to staffing.
- • Build a demo-first experience — hands-on content consistently outperforms passive displays in footfall and social sharing.
- • Coordinate logistics early — Cologne has strict build-up schedules and customs requirements for international shipments. Factor these in from the start.
- • Align your digital strategy — Gamescom generates massive social buzz. Plan your influencer outreach and press moments around the event window.
- • Book accommodation immediately — with 357,000+ attendees, hotels in Cologne fill up months in advance.
Make Gamescom 2026 Your Biggest Stage Yet
EIDETIC is a global experiential marketing agency specializing in gaming and tech events. Our edge at Gamescom comes from three things:
- ✔️In-house production — strategy, design, and fabrication handled internally, not outsourced.
- ✔️Local team in Germany — staff based in Cologne who know Koelnmesse, its regulations, and its logistics inside out.
- ✔️Gamescom veterans — we’ve been on this show floor across multiple editions. We know what works, what doesn’t, and how to avoid the surprises that derail first-timers.
Whether you’re exhibiting for the first time or scaling up an existing presence, we handle the complexity so your team can focus on what matters: the show.
