gamescom 2023 sends a strong signal from Germany to the world

Cologne, 27 August 2023 – Once again, gamescom took a big leap forward in 2023. In many areas in which it was already strong, it set new records: more exhibitors from more countries and millions of people reached all over the world – all of which clearly underscores its position as the world’s largest games event. This is further demonstrated by the many internationally known leading figures in the industry who appeared at gamescom in person this year. These included, among others, numerous CEOs such as Phil Spencer of Microsoft, Yves Guillemot of Ubisoft and Lars Wingefors of the Embracer Group, as well as legendary game designers like Todd Howard, Ed Boon and Sam Lake. By the Saturday evening prior to the Sunday close of gamescom, over 180 million views had been counted worldwide. gamescom 2023 was visited by a total of 320,000 people on location in Cologne.

More than 270 politicians took advantage of gamescom 2023 to exchange ideas with games industry experts and get an overview of the latest trends and developments. The world’s largest games event was opened this year by the Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, Robert Habeck, the Minister-President of North Rhine-Westphalia, Hendrik Wüst, and the Mayor of Cologne, Henriette Reker. From the addresses at the political opening, to the Debatt(l)e Royale, to the many discussions with the political guests, gamescom was marked by a broad consensus on the huge importance of the games as an economic factor, cultural asset and driver of innovation. Accordingly, further increasing the strength and competitiveness of Germany as a location for game development was frequently stated as a goal. This was accompanied in many cases by the expression of support for higher games funding, including a new tax-based funding model, not least by Economic Minister Habeck.

‘Together with our partner Koelnmesse, and thanks to the many exhibitors, guests and fans from around the globe, we again succeeded in making gamescom the world’s most important games event of the year. gamescom sends a clear signal politically as well: it confirms the great importance of the games industry for Germany as a digital and business location across all parties and political levels. The guests unanimously called for strengthening Germany as a games location and for the introduction of a tax-based games funding programme. But they must now follow up their words with action. The current funding application stop is dealing Germany a painful setback internationally. Germany therefore needs an increase in games funding to 125 million euros in the short term, along with a reliable tax-based funding programme. Only then can we continue our race to catch up and set in motion the positive effects that we, and our political leaders, hope to achieve,’ says Felix Falk, Managing Director of game – The German Games Industry Association.

About gamescom

gamescom is the world’s largest event for computer and video games, as well as Europe’s largest business platform for the game industry. gamescom 2023 took place from Tuesday, 22 August, to Sunday, 27 August, in Cologne and online. gamescom is jointly organised by Koelnmesse and game – the German Games Industry Association.

game – the German Games Industry Association

We are the association of the German games industry. Our members represent the entire video game ecosystem, from development studios and publishers to esports event organisers, educational institutions and other related entities. We are co-organisers of gamescom, the world’s biggest event for computer and video games. We are a shareholder in the Entertainment Software Self-Regulation Body (USK), the Foundation for Digital Games Culture, the esports player foundation, devcom and the collecting society VHG, as well as co-host of the German Computer Game Awards. Serving as a central point of contact for media, as well as political and social institutions, we provide comprehensive expertise in areas including market development, game culture and media literacy, and address any inquiries or concerns. Together we are making Germany the heart of gaming worldwide. With games, we enrich the lives of all people.

Press contact:

Martin Puppe
game – The German Games Industry Association
Friedrichstraße 165
10117 Berlin
Germany
Tel.: 030 2408779-20
Email: martin.puppe@game.de
www.game.de
Twitter: @game_verband
Facebook.com/game.verband
Instagram: game_verband

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