gamescom set to break new records -

11 percent more exhibitors than same time last year +++ entertainment area gets additional hall +++ indie area grows +++ More companies confirm participation +++ Expansion of the esports offering +++ First publisher revealed for gamescom Opening Night Live

Featuring an expanded entertainment area as well as a growing indie area, gamescom 2025 – the world’s biggest gaming festival – is already anticipating record-breaking figures. Exhibitor numbers are up 11 percent compared to the same time last year, with participants once again coming from over 60 countries. Thailand, gamescom’s first partner country from Southeast Asia, further underscores the event’s global significance.

“The figures speak for themselves. gamescom 2025 will be bigger, more thrilling and once again the beating heart of the global gaming community. Together with the industry and strong partners, we are set to captivate fans and set new standards,” says Tim Endres, Director of gamescom.

“Preparations for gamescom 2025 are in full swing, and while there are still a few weeks to go, one thing is for sure – at the end of August, the gaming world will once again gather in Germany for the most spectacular and diverse gamescom yet,” says Felix Falk, Managing Director of game – The German Games Industry Association.

High demand – new companies and well-known brands

Interest in participating in gamescom is at a record high compared to last year. In addition to the companies already announced, CI Games, Disney+, Electronic Arts, GIANTS Software, Headup, Kalypso, Konami, LEGO, Level Infinite, Marvelous Europe, Netflix, Paramount, SEGA and Tencent Games have also secured their spots. The current roster of confirmed exhibitors, partners and sponsors now includes:

2K, 9gag, aerosoft, astragon, ASUS, Bandai Namco, BEANS entertainment, Bethesda, Bilibili, Blizzard Entertainment, Capcom, CD PROJEKT RED, CI Games, Disney+, Electronic Arts, Fandom, Focus Entertainment, Freaks 4U Gaming, GIANTS Software, Headup, Hoyoverse, INVEN, Kalypso, Konami, Krafton, LEGO, Level Infinite, Marvelous Europe, Meta Quest, Netflix, Nintendo, Paramount, Pearl Abyss, Roblox, Samsung, SEGA, Super Crowd, team17, Tencent Games, The Game Business, The Pokémon Company, Ubisoft, Wargaming, Webedia and Xbox.

More space for entertainment and indie areas

To meet the high demand, the entertainment area will now include Hall 8, giving even more exhibitors the opportunity to showcase their latest products. Meanwhile, the indie area is expanding into Hall 10.2, occupying half of the hall for the first time.

To help visitors navigate the larger venue, a digital location finder will be introduced. The tool shows your current location in real time, along with saved exhibitors by hall, nearby entrances and exits, and other useful on-site information. The service will be available on mobile devices via gamescom.global starting August 20.

event arena in Hall 1 – program highlights confirmed

For the first time, the event arena will be in Hall 1, featuring an upgraded technical infrastructure for the stage program. Highlights include gamescom Opening Night Live, The Witcher in Concert, a joint performance by Wargaming and the metal band Sabaton, plus a variety of creative formats from the gamescom social stage, such as Viva La Dirt League and the popular cosplay contest.

This year’s event arena will also present two new esports formats – the grand offline finale of “Die Techniker Prime League” on August 24, in partnership with Freaks 4U Gaming and the Fortnite Creator Championship on August 22, co-organized with gamescom LAN and creators Amar and Rohat.

First details announced for gamescom Opening Night Live

This year’s gamescom Opening Night Live will once again be hosted by a powerhouse duo – on August 19, Eefje Depoortere aka sjokz returns as co-host alongside Geoff Keighley.

The first partner confirmed for this year’s show is Activision, who will be presenting the worldwide reveal of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7.