Gamescom 2026 sets attendance and exhibitor records in Cologne

Gamescom 2026 in Cologne has concluded with record-breaking figures, highlighting the growing global and political importance of the gaming industry. The event hosted approximately 368,000 visitors from 131 countries and featured 1,743 exhibitors, marking a significant increase in international participation with 72% of companies coming from abroad.

The digital reach was equally substantial, with over 624 million total views across various formats, including 78 million views for the Opening Night Live show. The exhibition space at Koelnmesse was completely sold out, reflecting high demand from both the DACH region and international markets, particularly from North and South America.

Political engagement reached a new high, with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier attending the gamescom congress for the first time. Other notable political attendees included EU Commissioner Henna Virkkunen and various German federal ministers. While the event was a commercial success, some independent developers reported challenges, including reports of hardware theft at various stands.

On the entertainment front, the event featured major announcements, including a remaster of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and various new titles for PlayStation 5. The cosplay contest also drew significant attention, showcasing highly detailed, self-made costumes.