gamescom congress 2027 - August 26, 2027

Federal President of Germany Steinmeier opened gamescom congress 2026

We were delighted to welcome Federal President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier to the opening of the gamescom congress.

His participation underscored the importance of games for culture and society, as well as the ongoing dialogue between policymakers, the games industry, and the community. Following his short welcoming speech, he attended a panel discussion on the positive role of games in strengthening and safeguarding democracy.

You can download Frank-Walter Steinmeier's full speech here:

https://share.koelnmesse.net/public/download-shares/U0W921theRswB8TEhQWerdEnAxFcmR08

Programme

The gamescom congress 2026 program demonstrates how games can drive democracy, education, health, innovation and digital culture. Through panels, talks and international contributions – including from WHO, UNHCR and Europol – the congress offers well-founded insights into the social relevance and innovative power of games. An overview of all program items is available on the website.

Speakers

Games as a catalyst for the future: At gamescom congress 2026, international experts gather in Cologne to discuss the potential of games in AI, education, health, sustainability, digital culture and social innovation. Bringing together voices from business, academia, politics and the games industry, the congress highlights how games actively shape our digital society.

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.

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.