SHERIDAN, WYOMING – August 5, 2025 – Get ready, gamers: Gamescom 2025 is gearing up to be the biggest gaming celebration the world has ever seen. With more exhibitors, more space, and more spectacle, the legendary Cologne-based festival is doubling down on its promise to be the heart of the global gaming universe — whether you're a console devotee, PC enthusiast, indie explorer, or esports fanatic.
More halls, more hype: Entertainment and indie zones level up
This year’s entertainment area is literally expanding — with Hall 8 opening up to meet unprecedented exhibitor demand. That includes top global names and beloved brands from over 60 countries, plus a record-breaking 11% increase in exhibitor participation compared to the same time last year.
The indie area, a favorite for discovering fresh voices and bold concepts, is getting a huge boost too. For the first time, it will take up half of Hall 10.2, giving more space for creativity to shine and small studios to connect with global audiences.
Why this matters: For gamers, that means more titles to test, more genres to explore, and a better shot at finding the next breakout hit — before the world catches on.
Confirmed exhibitors: From AAA titans to streaming giants
The 2025 lineup reads like a dream roster for any gaming fan. Joining earlier-announced participants are major new confirmations including:
- Gaming heavyweights: CI Games, Electronic Arts, Capcom, Ubisoft, SEGA, Blizzard, Konami, Bethesda
- Entertainment crossovers: Disney+, Netflix, Marvelous Europe, Paramount
- Global platforms and hardware: Xbox, Nintendo, Samsung, Meta Quest, ASUS
- Rising forces: GIANTS Software, Headup, Level Infinite, Tencent Games
These brands will be part of a showfloor that also includes 2K, Bandai Namco, The Pokémon Company, Roblox, Hoyoverse, CD PROJEKT RED, and more.
Editorial Extra: Quick-Use Guide – What to Watch for in Each Hall
- Hall 8: Expanded entertainment area – look out for blockbuster launches
- Hall 10.2: Indie area – fresh devs, unique mechanics, genre-defying ideas
- Hall 1 (Event Arena): Opening Night Live, concerts, esports finals, cosplay
- Digital Tool: Mobile site locator launches August 20 — real-time navigation, exhibitor locations, entrance mapping
Global stage, local spotlight
This year marks a milestone as Thailand joins as the first-ever Southeast Asian partner country — highlighting the truly international reach of gaming culture and development.
As Felix Falk, Managing Director of game – the German Games Industry Association, explains: “Ende August spielt die Games-Welt wieder auf der gamescom in Deutschland und das so eindrucksvoll und vielfältig wie nie zuvor.”
Live entertainment redefined: Concerts, cosplay, and esports thunder
The event arena, now relocated to Hall 1 with upgraded tech, will host:
- Opening Night Live (August 19): Hosted by Geoff Keighley and sjokz
- The Witcher in Concert: A symphonic adventure for fantasy fans
- Wargaming x Sabaton: Metal meets multiplayer in an epic crossover
- Fortnite Creator Championship (August 22): Top creators like Amar and Rohat battle live
- Techniker Prime League Finals (August 24): League of Legends at its fiercest
- Cosplay Contest and Viva La Dirt League return to electrify fans
One big reveal already locked in
Activision is bringing serious heat to Opening Night Live with the world premiere of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. With more surprises likely, this kickoff is shaping up to be the can’t-miss moment of the summer for millions around the world.
From Cologne to the world: A celebration without borders
Whether you're attending physically or joining via stream, Gamescom 2025 blends the best of both worlds. Hosted by Koelnmesse and the game association, the event connects fans, developers, and creators in a shared celebration of play. And with extensions like gamescom asia in Singapore and Koelnmesse Brasil’s rising presence, its global footprint is only getting stronger.
The bottom line
Gamescom 2025 isn’t just growing — it’s evolving. Bigger halls, bolder content, and a borderless community make this year’s show the most immersive yet. Whether you're in it for the cosplay, the console wars, the indie gems, or the esports showdowns, one thing's for sure: The heartbeat of gaming will be pounding loudest in Cologne this August.
Learn more at https://www.gamescom.global