Gamescom, acclaimed as the world’s premier gaming fair, kicks off in Cologne on August 23, 2023, showcasing “World Class Games”.
Over 1,220 exhibitors from 63 countries are set to display their offerings across a sprawling 230,000 square meters.
Many gamers eagerly line up, hoping for a brief firsthand experience of soon-to-be-released games.
In a press release, Felix Falk, head of the German Video Game Industry Association, highlights that this year’s Gamescom reflects the evolving global gaming culture: dynamic, international, and vast.
Given the pandemic-induced digital shift, with companies favoring live streams to introduce new titles, significant players like Sony Interactive Entertainment, Electronic Arts, and Epic Games have opted out of Gamescom.
For the first time, Brazil is the official partner country at Gamescom.
The Brazilian gaming industry, focusing on PC and mobile gaming, has exponentially grown, boasting over 1,000 studios, up from 133 in 2014.
It employs around 13,200 people, increasingly catering to the international market.
The 2022 ‘Brazil: Game Industry Report’ reveals that over half the studios operate without formal funding.
Hence, large-scale game productions remain a distant dream for Brazil, considering blockbuster titles require Hollywood-esque budgets.
However, indie games, crafted by small independent studios, often catch the attention with their creativity and innovation.
Gamescom’s “retro” section offers a nostalgia trip, while eSports tournaments and live broadcasts engage attendees.
Germany’s Deputy Chancellor and Economy Minister, Robert Habeck, will inaugurate Gamescom, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to fostering the gaming sector.
Despite Germany’s lagging behind in AAA game productions compared to global competitors, Gamescom offers German studios a platform to showcase their creations to a global audience.
Some titles, like “Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew”, hint at potential worldwide acclaim.