Cologne, Germany (Weltexpress). Gamescom 2017, the world’s largest games show, is just around the corner. With more than 900 exhibitors from all over the world, and a truly spectacular range of events throughout the week, this massive 360° demonstration of games industry presence is proof positive that the games industry needs to get together to have fun – and Cologne in August is the place to do it.
For trade visitors, gamescom opens its doors on Tuesday 22nd August, with the public access days running from August 23rd – 26th. However, gamescom is much more than just fun. It’s a top platform for doing business in the games industry, as well as a source of updated information for games developers and industry professionals. Under the motto “More than Games”, the gamescom congress will provide an opportunity for attendees to hear and talk to experts from across the spectrum of industry, education and politics. Opening day on August 22nd will see a debate between representatives of Germany’s major political parties in the so-called “election campaign arena” – a first for gamescom. They will be discussing not only the relevance of the games industry as the incubator and hub of the technologies that have brought new business models to traditional industries but also the challenges faced by all the stakeholders in an increasingly digitized world.
This year, the prestigious new event devcom will take place during gamescom week. Overlapping and interconnected with gamescom, devcom is a 5-day umbrella framework for a series of top class events focused on the games industry business. Among these, devcom will field the devcom developer conference. Aimed at senior games industry professionals, long-established companies, developers and managers, this business-focused conference has attracted some of the top speakers from the global industry. With a business and matchmaking area, conference and keynote rooms, the devcom developer conference provides a great place to do business and exchange professional know-how. Another feature is the devcom developer lounge, providing an area for top-level networking and in-depth meetings, with workshop rooms for devcom master classes, tutorials and summits. devcom will also host the official gamescom keynotes, bringing to the floor the most topical issues of the industry, and the experts who will provide insights into their special expertise. This promises to be a valuable addition to the array of opportunities offered to devcom attendees to keep a finger on the pulse of the games industry and stay ahead of the curve.
Another feature of gamescom 2017 is the Indie Arena Booth. Held for the fifth time this year, it will comprise over 1000 m² of space and showcase exhibitors from around the world. Continuing its commitment to the younger generations of developers and industry participants, gamescom will this year be home to RESPAWN, which will take place under the devcom umbrella. Add SPOBIS Gaming and Media, a conference focusing on the fast-growing esports industry, and the gamescom City Festival, in which Cologne turns itself over to the international gaming fraternity, and it’s clear that gamescom 2017 is set to be a stellar mark on the global games calendar.
