Gamescom, the world’s largest computer games trade fair, has taken off again this year. According to Koelnmesse, a total of 335,000 people attended the five-day event that ended on Sunday. This is around 15,000 more than last year, but not on a par with the record year 2019 with 373,000 visitors. Gerald Bos, head of Koelnmesse, sees the appeal of Gamescom as the world’s largest and most important event for the gaming industry as proven once again. Online access also reached new highs with 310 million digital hits from around the world. Last year there were only 180 million.
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According to observers, Gamescom has survived the corona crisis and is holding steady despite the financial uncertainties in the games industry. Parties, e-sports and events fill the gap left by cancellations by major gaming companies.
Microsoft once again managed the bulk of the trade fair, while Nintendo and Sony were again absent.
Not really the big headliners, but exciting games
Although a big blockbuster like Bethesda’s sci-fi role-playing game “Starfield” was missing this year in 2023, the latter is also making headlines this year with information about a new planetary rover and upcoming DLC. Nevertheless, 2024 also brought some new titles that attracted positive attention.
In our opinion, the best game of the fair was “Avoid” by Obsidian Entertainment. The first-person RPG was able to convince people in just an hour with a strong story, fun dialogue, and a detailed game world.
“Civilization 7” with its new graphic style, the ant strategy game “Empire of the Ants” and the first-person adventure “Indiana Jones and the Great Circle” also made a good impression. The indie arena also featured exciting games from small teams and solo developers.
Gamescom will probably also take place in Cologne in the future
While the press and trade visitors withdrew on Friday, Saturday and Sunday were dedicated to private visitors, who traditionally form the focus of the trade fair. The organisers are confident that Gamescom will continue to take place in Cologne in the future.
A total of 1,462 exhibitors from 64 countries presented their latest games, products and services at this year’s Gamescom. 71 percent of exhibitors came from abroad. The trade fair is jointly organized by Koelnmesse and the Games Industry Association.
(VJA)
