Felix Falk, Managing Director of games - Association of the German Games Industry: "In view of the two pandemic years without gamescom on site, we are very pleased about the strong participation of so many partners already at this point. There are many additional challenges for exhibitors this year, but together we have the clear goal of making gamescom the global beacon for games once again this year. The high level of interest shows how important it was to take gamescom digital during the pandemic and thus expand it internationally. After two years full of online presentations, games companies will finally return to direct contact with their community, which creates unique experiences and cannot be replaced by anything - digitally transported to all corners of the world."

Oliver Frese, Managing Director and COO of Koelnmesse: "The entire gamescom team has been working hard for months to make gamescom 2022 an unforgettable experience for all participants. That is why we are immensely pleased with the strong signal from the industry. It once again confirms the importance of gamescom for the global games community. I am already looking forward to celebrating the start of gamescom 2022 and the many premieres of gamescom: Opening Night Live with the entire community on August 23 in our gamescom event arena on site in Cologne as well as online in the stream."

gamescom merch area and gamescom event arena in high demand

The gamescom merch area and the gamescom event arena are also in high demand. For the gamescom merch area already now over 50 enterprises announced themselves. The gamescom event arena will be held for the first time in the new and ultra-modern Hall 1. Almost all event slots are already fully booked. gamescom will open in the event arena with gamescom: Opening Night Live - the big opening show, which will finally be celebrated again together with the community on site and broadcast to millions of fans at home in over 180 countries. In the days that follow, many other highlights will follow, including Esports tournaments from ESL Gaming.

In 2022, gamescom is also bringing back its themed areas! Whether family&friends, cosplay, retro or indie area: they will all be back in the Cologne exhibition halls this year. Due to many partners, the indie area will be bigger and more diverse than ever before. And anyone interested in a career in the games industry will find all the information they need at the gamescom campus. In addition, there will be an extensive outdoor offering with additional attractions.

Large number of confirmed country pavilions

The strong international interest in gamescom is also reflected in the large number of country pavilions already confirmed. Corresponding stands show the diversity of the global games industry across the board and at the same time bundle the offerings of the presenting countries for display. The following countries, among others, have currently booked booths: The gamescom partner country 2022 Australia as well as Belgium, Brazil, France, Great Britain, Indonesia, Japan, Colombia, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Switzerland, Spain, South Korea, Czech Republic, USA.