gamescom 2026 has wrapped up in Cologne with record international attendance, a sold-out show floor and digital numbers that underline just how global the event has become.
A total of 368,000 visitors from 131 countries made the trip to celebrate gaming culture together at gamescom 2026, with the number travelling from abroad climbing 6% over last year. The show floor told a similar story. A record 1,743 companies from 66 countries exhibited across a sold-out 233,000 square metres, an 11% increase over 2025, with a record 72% of exhibitors coming from abroad. More than 36,000 trade visitors attended, roughly half of them international, with the strongest growth coming from Brazil, Canada, the Netherlands and the United States.
gamescom 2026’s digital footprint proved just as staggering. By Saturday evening alone, gamescom programming had racked up more than 624 million views worldwide, including 78 million for gamescom Opening Night Live. The gamescom awesome indies show grew its digital reach by more than 670% to 302,000 views, while gamescom epix drew 6.2 million page views.
“In 2026, gamescom has delivered an impressive statement about its role as the central platform for the international games industry,” said Felix Falk, managing director of game, the German Games Industry Association. “Many of last year’s record figures were surpassed, especially in terms of international participation and the number of exhibitors.”
Gerald Böse, president and chief executive officer of Koelnmesse, echoed that sentiment. “gamescom brings people from all over the world together, combining the economic and social significance of games on a scale like no other. This was an extremely successful gamescom, and we are delighted by the event’s strong international character.”
Beyond the halls, gamescom GDQ marked the European premiere of the Games Done Quick speedrunning format and earned this year’s gamescom Heart of Gaming Award. Meanwhile, gamescom dev saw registered participation rise 15% to 6,200. Frank-Walter Steinmeier became the first federal president to attend gamescom, opening the gamescom congress before more than 1,100 attendees. Roughly 80,000 people also turned out for the gamescom city festival.
gamescom returns Aug. 23 to 29, 2027, beginning with gamescom dev on Aug. 23 and 24. gamescom Opening Night Live follows on Aug. 24, with the show opening to the general public on Aug. 26.
