World's Largest Gaming Expo Gamescom 2026 Kicks Off in Cologne

Cologne, Germany, is hosting the world's largest exhibition for computer and video games, Gamescom 2026, which officially opened its doors on Wednesday, August 26. The five-day event welcomed business visitors and media representatives, showcasing a massive scale with over 1,600 exhibitors hailing from 67 countries and regions.

This year marks a significant milestone as the entire exhibition hall has been booked by exhibitors, setting a new record. Felix Falk, managing director of the German Games Industry Association, highlighted the unprecedented scale of the exhibition zone dedicated to independent game developers, emphasizing the growing appeal of gaming culture and the creativity of small teams.

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The number of exhibitors is at a record high, and the scale of the exhibition zone for independent game developers, dedicated to showcasing the creativity and products of small teams, is also unprecedented.

The event, co-organized by the Cologne Exhibition Center (Koelnmesse) and the German Games Industry Association, spans a vast 233,000-square-meter area. Attendees can experience gameplay sessions, cosplay shows, board games, car-themed games, an artist zone, campus recruitment, and purchase game-related merchandise.

Notably, China is making a strong presence with a record 60 companies participating. Grace Pan, senior project manager at Koelnmesse, informed Xinhua that these Chinese companies are presenting a diverse array of games, many making their international debuts. The advanced technology featured in their game developments has garnered considerable attention from both the gaming industry and enthusiasts worldwide.

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A total of 60 Chinese companies are taking part in Gamescom 2026, a new record high.