gamescom, which opened in Cologne, Germany, drew visitors from 131 countries over five days, with around 1,600 exhibitors. Japanese companies also took part, and the venue was filled with excitement from hands-on demos, cosplay and evening events.
The venue was expansive, with a wide variety of booths lining the halls and queues that never seemed to end for hands-on demos of new releases and character merchandise. It was brimming with the enthusiasm and creativity of European game fans. Alongside major companies, there were numerous indie titles, and visitors walked around looking for games that matched their tastes. Japanese companies were among the exhibitors, and visitors also showed interest in titles from Japan.
Cosplayers stood out throughout the venue, offering a wide range of costumes, from simple outfits to painstakingly crafted creations. Even outside the cosplay fashion show, fans took photos of one another, conveying their affection for the games and characters. Large numbers of people also gathered in areas outside the venue, creating a strong sense of togetherness.
The business area for games industry professionals had a relatively calm atmosphere, with business meetings and interviews taking place away from the hubbub. On the other hand, delays in getting around were common because of the venue's size and the crowds, so it was necessary to allow plenty of time before the next appointment. gamescom dev featured a broad range of talks for developers, providing an opportunity to gain a direct understanding of ideas and development challenges.
Stage events, including Opening Night Live, were held in the evening, allowing attendees to experience live the excitement of announcements of information being revealed to the world for the first time. The entire city took on the atmosphere of gamescom week, and opportunities for new encounters, learning, business and networking expanded throughout the day and night. There was also a joint event with GDQ, and the venue was filled with the energy of the audience and the immediacy of watching the action live.