E3 2023 in Los Angeles has been cancelled both physically and in its digital form. But gamescom will take place this year. Which we very much welcome. Because in August, visitors to Cologne can expect a full week of events, both on-site and online.
Here you will find all important information about gamescom 2023.
gamescom 2023 will take place in Cologne from 21 to 27 August 2023. Both on site in the halls of Koelnmesse (Messeplatz 1, 50679 Cologne) and online. Not all days are open to private visitors. Here is a brief overview of opening times and who can enter and when.
Wednesday, 23 August: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (on Trade Visitor and Media Day, the Entertainment Area is only open to a limited number of private visitors)
Thursday, 24 August: 9:00 to 20:00 (admission from 10:00)
Friday, 25 August: 9:00 to 20:00 (admission from 10:00)
Saturday, 26 August: 9:00 to 20:00 (admission from 10:00)
Sunday, 27 August: 9:00 to 20:00 (admission from 10:00)
For private visitors there will be an extensive programme in Cologne, especially in the “Entertainment Area”, the “Event Arena” and at the “gamescom City Festival”. Among other things, there will be game stations, the gamescom Awards ceremony, stage shows, the Cosplay Village, a merchandising hall and much more.
Parallel to gamescom, devcom (an international developer conference) and the gamescom congress will take place in Cologne this week, where representatives from the industry and politics will exchange ideas. The Opening Night Live should also be particularly interesting. As in previous years, it will open the fair and will be hosted by Geoff Keighley. In addition to announcements and trailers, there will also be exciting world premieres.
The Opening Night Live will take place on Tuesday, 22 August, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. German time and can be followed live on YouTube and Twitch.
Last year, there was also an opportunity for private individuals to experience Opening Night Live. The tickets cost 29 euros. It is not yet known whether this will also be possible this year.
So far, many developers and publishers have not yet commented on gamescom 2023, but it is expected that 10 percent more exhibitors will be present than last year. Other exhibitors have long confirmed their participation, including Aerosoft, Assemble Entertainment, Giants Software, Hoyoverse and Nintendo.
Advance ticket sales have already begun. Prices vary depending on the day of the fair