Gamescom 2024 is the largest international video game trade fair and conference. It will be held from August 21 to 25 in Cologne, Germany.
The trade fair is a yearly event that brings game developers and fans together to see new projects in development, try out brand-new games and find out more about future releases. Join us for a closer look at Gamescom 2024, as we look back on its history and announcements that were made in previous years before moving on to what we might expect this year.
We’ll answer all your burning questions afterwards, including how and where to get tickets, how to get there and where to stay.
The history of Gamescom
Gamescom is the successor to Games Convention, a trade show that was held in Leipzig from 2002 to 2008. In August 2008, the German Trade Association of Interactive Entertainment Software (BIU) announced they would be holding a new event.
This event was none other than Gamescom, which was initially intended to compete with Games Convention. However, things worked out differently. In 2009, the Leipzig trade show was cancelled, leading Gamescom to take its place as the biggest gaming event in Germany and Europe.
The first Gamescom took place in Cologne the very same year and instantly became an industry hit.
In the years that followed, Gamescom grew into the largest international video game trade fair. The yearly event has become a mecca for gamers the world over, with hundreds of game announcements, panel discussions and new digital technology revealed every single year. Gamescom has become the center for international interaction and partnership in the gaming world. More than 320,000 people attended in 2023.
Upcoming events at Gamescom 2024
Microsoft’s Xbox conference is shaping up to be the event to keep your eyes on this year. The company is expected to give visitors the chance to try out a range of games, including:
- Age of Mythology: Retold. A modernized version of the classic strategy game.
- Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred. A brand-new expansion for the popular RPG.
- Fallout 76: Milepost Zero. The latest update for the multiplayer game set in the Fallout universe.
- The Elder Scrolls Online: Gold Road. A whole new chapter in Bethesda’s expansive MMORPG.
Microsoft is also preparing some special presentations for Avowed, the upcoming Indiana Jones game, and the Starfield expansion, Shattered Space. We’ve also got a tournament for the mobile game Diablo Immortal and an immersive World of Warcraft: The War Within attraction to look forward to.
Xbox has also got some interesting games lined up from their partners. Expect a sneak peek at Star Wars Outlaws, the latest game set in the Star Wars universe; Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II, the next chapter in the popular shooter series; ARK 2, the sequel to the 2017 dinosaur-themed survival game; and a whole host of other projects. Indie developers will also be out in full force, so you can look forward to more information on games like Winter Burrow and Creatures of Ava.
Sony and Nintendo, on the other hand, have decided to give Gamescom a pass this year, but the organizers are still expecting record numbers to attend.
Announcements at past conferences
Gamescom 2023 saw its fair share of announcements. Here are just a few:
- Starfield. Bethesda’s latest RPG, that launches gamers 300 years into the future.
- Black Myth: Wukong. An action RPG from Chinese studio Game Science, based on the novel Journey to the West.
- Crimson Desert. A single-player action RPG from the creators of the hit MMO Black Desert.
- Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty. A Cyberpunk 2077 big expansion, that takes players on a new adventure into the latest and most dangerous area of Night City.
Gamescom 2022 was no slouch in the hype department either:
- Hogwarts Legacy. An action RPG set in the Harry Potter universe.
- Gotham Knights. The latest installment in the superhero franchise set in Gotham City.
- Lies Of P. A Soulslike about the adventures of the puppet Pinocchio.
- The Expanse: A Telltale Series. A game in the sci-fi series The Expanse.
Finally, Gamescom 2021 got us excited about:
- Marvel’s Midnight Suns. The tactical RPG with Marvel superheroes.
- Call of Duty: Vanguard. A single-player campaign gameplay premiere, that included a Stalingrad level where you played as a nurse called Polina Petrova.
- Death Stranding: Director’s Cut. An in-depth look at the game with brand-new options and missions.
- LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga. Gameplay footage of a game, which includes events from all nine main films from the franchise.
What’s in store for us at the upcoming conference
Before Gamescom kicks off on August 20, the opening ceremony, Opening Night Live, will get us fired up with some trailers, game announcements and interviews with famous guests. The entire show will be broadcast live on the official site for all those who can’t be there in person.
And here’s what’s waiting for us at the event itself from August 21 to 25:
- New game showcases
The biggest publishers and developers in the business have got a star-studded lineup for us, including:
- Avowed.
- Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.
- Starfield: Shattered Space.
All eyes are already on these three games, which are looking to be some of the biggest releases of the year.
- New games to try out
Attendees will be the first to try out the most anticipated games before their official release dates and share their feedback with the developers. If you’re lucky, you might just get a shot at:
- Age of Mythology: Retold.
- Ara: History Untold.
- Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred.
- Fallout 76: Milepost Zero.
- The Elder Scrolls Online: Gold Road.
- Towerborne.
- Live streams
From August 21 to 23, the Xbox Twitch and YouTube channels will be livestreaming the events of Gamescom.
- The biggest names in the industry
Some of the industry’s finest will have a presence at the event, including:
- Microsoft.
- Blizzard Entertainment.
- Capcom.
- HoYoverse.
- THQ Nordic.
- Ubisoft.
Each company will be ready to share their latest projects and technology. These games include:
- Monster Hunter Wilds (Capcom).
- Dune Awakening (Funcom).
- Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed (THQ Nordic).
- Titan Quest 2 (THQ Nordic).
- The Indie Area and the Merchandise Area
Gamescom 2024 will also host a range of panel discussions where experts will discuss the latest trends and share their ideas and experiences. Attendees can ask questions and get an insider’s look into the future of the industry.
- Campus
The Gamescom Campus Area is the ideal place for any aspiring game developer. Where else can you attend lectures and seminars led by professionals and have the chance to meet representatives from the biggest companies around, get résumé advice and find out more about vacancies and internships in the industry?
- Special events and tournaments
There are loads of other things to see and do, including:
- A Diablo Immortal tournament.
- An immersive World of Warcraft: The War Within attraction.
- The Cosplay Village, where you can contest to see who has the best game, film, or anime cosplay!
- Gamescom awards
Gamescom will be giving out awards for the best gameplay, the best visuals and the best games for a variety of platforms (Xbox, Switch, PC, PlayStation and mobile).
Publishers pay €440 to compete in one category, €800 for three, and another €200 for each additional category. Indie games pay half of these fees.
Practical information
Where to buy tickets
Tickets for Gamescom 2024 can be purchased on the event’s official website. Tickets go fast, so make sure you buy as soon as possible!
A standard ticket costs €29.50, but if you’re planning to attend after 4 p.m., you can buy an evening ticket for just €9.50. Please note that prices are around €10 higher on the Saturday. Families can save some money with the family tickets, and other tickets are also available on the site.
A Gamescom ticket will also give you free public transport on the days of the trade show, which is a nice little bonus. If anything is still unclear or if you still have questions, just take a look at the ticket shop page to find out more.
When Gamescom is
Gamescom 2024 will be held from August 21 to 25, and the opening ceremony will take place on August 20. The Entertainment Area is open:
- August 21 (Wednesday): 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. (9 a.m. to 7 p.m. for industry professionals and journalists).
- August 22 (Thursday): 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (9 a.m. to 8 p.m. for industry professionals).
- August 23 (Friday): 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (9 a.m. to 8 p.m. for industry professionals).
- August 24 (Saturday): 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- August 25 (Sunday): 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The Business Area is open:
- August 21 (Wednesday): 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- August 22 (Thursday): 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- August 23 (Friday): 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- August 24 (Saturday) and 25 (Sunday): closed.
Where Gamescom 2024 will take place
The event will take place at the Koelnmesse exhibition centre in Cologne. Koelnmesse is the largest trade fair organizer in Germany. If you have any questions about Gamescom 2024, you can contact support by calling +49 221 821 1818.
Where to stay
The most reliable option would be to book a hotel through the official site. You can reserve up to five rooms. If you have a large group (i.e., more than six people), contact the hotel service directly.
All you adventurers out there can head to gamescomCamp, a huge campsite for video game fans. There’s no better choice if you like traveling on a budget but don’t want to miss out on the atmosphere!
How to get to the event
Gamescom will take place at the Koelnmesse exhibition centre in Cologne.
If you’re flying into Cologne Bonn Airport, take the S19 train to Köln Messe/Deutz station.
If you’re arriving by train, get off at Köln Messe/Deutz station. A quick five-minute walk later, and you’ll be right at the event.
You can also get there by car. The Cologne Ring will take you straight to the trade centre. Don’t forget to use your satnav!
