Attendance at Gamescom 2026 saw a 6% increase, reaching 368,000 visitors

The 2026 iteration of Gamescom experienced a notable rise in attendance, welcoming 368,000 guests from 131 countries. This marked a 6% increase compared to the previous event.

The expo saw participation from 1,743 companies representing 66 nations, an 11% rise from 2025. Of these, international exhibitors made up 72%, with participants from 48 country pavilions spanning 41 different countries.

Exhibitors from Brazil, Canada, and the United States displayed the most significant growth. Meanwhile, over 36,000 trade professionals attended, with around 50% originating from outside Germany.

The Gamescom Dev conference recorded a 15% increase in attendance, attracting 6,200 visitors. The event preceding Gamescom featured 397 speakers, delivered 238 sessions across 18 stages.

A total of over 2,500 companies from 95 countries were involved, alongside 57 partners and exhibitors at Gamescom Dev and its indie exhibition.

GamesIndustry.biz held a conversation with Gamescom Dev's managing director, Frederik Hammes, on the findings of this year’s Gamescom Dev survey, highlighting smaller studios as key growth drivers in the gaming sector.

The digital reach of Gamescom content surpassed 624 million views globally by Saturday evening. This included 78 million views for the Opening Night Live. The Gamescom Awesome Indies Show saw its audience expand by more than 670%, drawing over 302,000 viewers.

The online community event, Gamescom Epix, achieved 6.2 million page views, reflecting a 9% increase from the previous year.

Felix Falk, managing director of the German Games Industry Association, remarked, "In 2026, Gamescom has asserted itself as a crucial platform for the global games industry."

He noted that numerous previous records were broken, especially regarding international involvement and exhibitor numbers. "The momentum for the future is evident, pushing the industry forward despite the challenges, and creating the distinctive Gamescom atmosphere."

Gerald Böse, president and CEO of Koelnmesse, stated, "Gamescom unites people worldwide, merging the economic and social significance of gaming uniquely. This year's event was an outstanding success, reflecting Gamescom's increasing status as the premier venue for all involved in gaming."

Looking ahead, Gamescom 2027 is scheduled from August 25 to 29, with Gamescom Dev set for August 23 to 24.