Gamescom 2024, the annual gaming expo in Cologne, Germany, attracted a record-breaking number of visitors last week. Over 335,000 people from around 120 countries attended the event, surpassing last year’s attendance of 320,000. The show also saw a significant increase in digital engagement, with 310 million digital engagements recorded, including over 40 million for Geoff Keighley’s Gamescom Opening Night Live.
Not only did Gamescom draw in a large number of visitors, but it also saw a surge in trade visitors, with 32,000 industry professionals in attendance. The strongest growth in trade visitors came from North America and Japan, highlighting the global reach and significance of the event.
The success of Gamescom was not limited to the expo itself. The game dev show Devcom, which preceded Gamescom, also experienced significant growth, with over 5,000 attendees, a 45% increase from the previous year. This demonstrates the growing interest and importance of the gaming industry.
One of the standout highlights of Gamescom was the Gamescom Opening Night Live, which garnered over 40 million video views, double the number from the previous year. This achievement set a new global benchmark and showcased the increasing popularity of gaming events.
Gerald Böse, the CEO of Koelnmesse, the company behind Gamescom, expressed his satisfaction with the event’s success. He stated, “Gamescom has once again proven its unmatched global reach and significance as the world’s leading event for the gaming industry.” He also emphasized the event’s ability to unite gaming fans worldwide and drive innovation and partnerships within the industry.
Felix Falk, the managing director of Game, the German Games Industry Association, echoed this sentiment, describing Gamescom as a “resounding success.” He highlighted the event’s international participation across various sectors and its impact on society, culture, and technology. Falk also emphasized the importance of games and the gaming industry in shaping the future.
In addition to the expo, Gamescom also featured a city festival in downtown Cologne, which attracted around 80,000 people. This further showcased the widespread enthusiasm and passion for gaming.
Looking ahead, Gamescom 2025 is already scheduled to take place from August 20 to August 24, 2025. The event will kick off with Gamescom Opening Night Live on August 19, 2025. With the continued growth and success of Gamescom, it is set to remain one of the most renowned global event brands in the gaming industry, attracting gaming enthusiasts and industry professionals from around the world.