335,000 visitors from 120 countries made Gamescom 2024 the biggest ever

• The great and the good thronged into Cologne for this year’s event, doing business and setting records

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In something that’s becoming an annual tradition, Gamescom, the games event that annually dominates Cologne, Germany to become the biggest games event in Europe, has once again officially broken records for 2024.

Official stats released by the organisers put the final number of visitors as over 335,000, flocking from 120 countries to attend. The event’s Friday and Saturday shows – open to the public and allowing hardcore gamers to play the latest games and sport their ever more complex cosplay – were completely sold out. 

In person and online

Online viewership for the show program reached an all-time high too, with over 310 million video views being notched up by Saturday evening alone. Leading the way was live coverage of the show’s familiar Opening Night Live event, hosted by Geoff Keighly, delivering teasers for new releases and a taste of what would be coming up at the show. The live event notched up over 40 million video views – a figure that was double that of the previous year. 

Trade visitors hit an impressive 32,000 total this year, with North America and Japan showing the largest increases. Meanwhile exhibitors hit 1,462, attending the show from 64 countries, with 71 percent coming from outside of Germany.

Gerald Böse, the president and chief Executive officer of venue Koelnmesse said: “Gamescom has once again proven its unmatched global reach and significance as the world’s leading event for the gaming industry. Surpassing last year’s figures with record-breaking digital engagement and a rise in on-site visitors, Gamescom, Koelnmesse and the game association unite gaming fans worldwide through their shared passion, driving innovation and partnerships in the gaming industry in a way no other event has ever done before.”

Felix Falk, Managing Director of game, the German Games Industry Association said: “Gamescom 2024 was a resounding success. The surge in international participation across multiple sectors firmly establishes Gamescom as one of the most renowned global event brands for years to come. This week has once again underscored the tremendous societal, cultural and technological impact of games, and why countries worldwide are eagerly vying to become the top destination for the gaming industry. Games are the gateway to the future.”

And it’ll come as no surprise to hear that the organisers are already busy planning the 2025 event. The show will kick off on August 19, 2025 with Gamescom Opening Night Live with the show following on from August 20th through to the 24th.