A record 345,000 visitors converged on Cologne last week for one of the world’s largest computer and video game exhibitions, gamescom.
Organiser Koelnmesse reported visitor numbers were up by 10,000 year-on-year for the exhibition on 5-8 August, which welcomed attendees from 96 countries.
Trade visitors increased 5 per cent to 33,200, with one in two trade visitors travelling from abroad.
Organisers increased the show’s exhibition space to 193,000sqm to allow for 806 exhibitors, an increase of 14 per cent. About two thirds of exhibitors were from abroad.
Koelnmesse president and chief executive Gerald Böse said: "The signs for a successful gamescom were very positive and the results have definitely exceeded our expectations.”
“We were once again able to offer the trade visitors an international industry meeting place and gaming fans from all over the world a unique event," Böse added.
Highlights included game premieres across all platforms, cosplay awards, a showcase of developments in virtual reality and e-sports events.
The event’s conference programme, billed as a cross-industry networking platform, featured more than 150 high-profile speakers, 40 panel and lecture sessions. It attracted 630 delegates, a year-on-year increase of 40 per cent.
"The gamescom congress has established itself a must-attend event also far beyond the scope of games industry within just a few years, “ said Katharina Hamma, chief operating officer of Koelnmesse.
The 2016 edition of gamescom will be held 17-21 August in Cologne.
