gamescom congress 2026 - August 27, 2026

About

The gamescom congress is Europe's leading conference on the potential of computer games. Covering a broad spectrum of topics, the congress shows that game technologies help to inspire innovations and master digitalization in nearly all economic and social spheres. Held annually as part of gamescom in Cologne, it brings together an interdisciplinary audience: companies and institutions from sectors such as health, automotive, or education; representatives from politics, science, and NGOs; and the games industry itself.

Organization & Curation

The gamescom congress will be organised by Koelnmesse GmbH and game - Association of the German Games Industry. The program is curated by curatomic in collaboration with the team at game e.V. The conference is sponsored by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

Call for Submissions

Games beyond entertainment: The gamescom congress 2026 addresses guests far beyond the games industry. The congress focuses on two topical areas:

• Democracy - how games strengthen civic education, participation, and resilience
• The Games Effect - how technologies, mindsets, and mechanics from games spill over into other industries and society at large, whether deployed deliberately or as an unplanned impulse.

For more information, please check here .

Note: If your talk is solely about the development of a game or the financial success of it, it is better suited for gamescom.dev (formerly devcom).

The deadline for submitting topics is May 27, 2026.

Programme 2025

The program for gamescom congress 2025 shows how games can be a catalyst for education, health, sustainability, and digital culture. With panels, talks, and international contributions, the congress offers an in-depth look at the social power of games. An overview of all program items is available on the website.

Speakers 2025

Games beyond entertainment: gamescom congress 2025 is once again bringing international speakers to Cologne – with insights into immersion, well-being, ethics, and digital participation. Speakers include Y-Lan Boureau, Celia Hodent, and Jukka Laakso. An overview of all speakers can be found on this page.

General information

For all important information on travel, parking, opening hours, and other organizational details, please visit the general Information page. This allows you to plan your visit to the congress optimally—compact, clear, and at a glance.