Gamescom 2026

Gamescom is one of the strongest global events for building a gaming-industry buyer database because it combines a giant consumer audience with a dedicated B2B ecosystem for publishers, developers, platforms, distributors, hardware companies, technology providers, investors and licensing partners. About Gamescom 2026 Detail Information Event Gamescom 2026 Dates 26 August 2026 , 27 August 2026 , 28 August 2026 , 29 August 2026 , 30 August 2026 Opening Night Live 25 August 2026 Venue Koelnmesse City Cologne State / Region North Rhine-Westphalia Country Germany Event Type B2B Trade Show , B2C Gaming Festival , Business Networking Event , Product Launch Event Primary Category from your list Entertainment & Media Secondary Category IT & Technology Audience Reach Global Gamescom's official international event information confirms Cologne for 26 to 30 August 2026. Gamescom describes itself as the world's largest leading event for computer and video games. The 2026 exhibitor directory already includes product groups covering Development , Entertainment Games , eSports , Hardware , Media , Telecommunications and Internet , Platforms / Technologies , Software , Merchandising , Service Firms. 1️⃣ Who attends , BUYERS / ATTENDEES For attendee-list sales, I would divide Gamescom into commercial buyers and the much larger consumer audience. Priority 1 , Publishers , Game Acquisition Buyers These are among the highest-value attendee profiles. They attend looking for: Game IP , Publishing Deals , Indie Games , Distribution Rights , Regional Publishing Rights , Co-Development Partners , Studio Acquisition Opportunities , Porting Partners , Localization Partners Typical companies Electronic Arts , Ubisoft , Bandai Namco Entertainment , SEGA , Warner Bros. Games , Xbox , PlayStation , Nintendo , Tencent Games , NetEase Games , Krafton , Embracer Group , Focus Entertainment , Devolver Digital , THQ Nordic , Plaion Priority 2 , Platforms , Distribution , Digital Stores These organizations can buy or license games, content, technology and commercial partnerships. Typical targets: Microsoft Xbox , Sony Interactive Entertainment , Nintendo , Valve , Epic Games , Amazon Games , Samsung , NVIDIA , AMD , Intel , Qualcomm Priority 3 , Game Developers / Studios Studios are buyers of: Game Engines , Development Tools , Cloud Infrastructure , QA Services , Localization , Motion Capture , Art Outsourcing , Audio Production , Cybersecurity , Analytics , Marketing , User Acquisition , Payment Technology Gamescom's developer ecosystem is particularly strong. The associated Gamescom Dev event reported 5,400 registered attendees from 89 countries and more than 2,500 companies in 2025. Priority 4 , Gaming Hardware Buyers / Retail / Distribution Buyer types include: Gaming Retailers , Electronics Retailers , Hardware Distributors , Computer Distributors , Gaming Peripheral Distributors , E-Commerce Companies , Wholesalers , Importers They look for: Gaming PCs , Consoles , Controllers , Headsets , Keyboards , Mice , Gaming Chairs , Monitors , Streaming Equipment , Components Priority 5 , Licensing / Merchandising Buyers This is a useful secondary Gamescom segment. Targets include: Licensing Companies , Merchandise Companies , Toy Companies , Collectibles Companies , Apparel Companies , Consumer Products Companies , Retail Chains They purchase or license: Game Characters , Franchise IP , Apparel Rights , Collectibles Rights , Toy Rights , Accessories , Promotional Merchandise Priority 6 , Technology / Service Procurement Typical attendees: CTO , CIO , VP Technology , Engineering Director , Technical Director , Procurement Director , IT Director , Infrastructure Director They source: Cloud Services , Servers , AI Technology , Game Development Tools , Payment Solutions , Cybersecurity , Analytics , CDN , Backend Infrastructure , Streaming Technology 2️⃣ Location + Attendee Geographic Origin Gamescom has genuinely global attendance rather than being just a German exhibition. In 2025 it attracted approximately 357,000 visitors from 128 countries, including more than 34,000 trade visitors. International visitor participation was approximately 70%, with especially strong growth in trade visitors from the United States , China , Canada , Japan. Geographic targeting priority P1 Germany , United Kingdom , France , Netherlands , Spain , Italy , Poland , Sweden , Finland P2 United States , Canada P3 China , Japan , South Korea P4 Austria , Switzerland , Belgium , Denmark , Norway , Czech Republic , Portugal , Ireland P5 Singapore , Taiwan , Hong Kong , Australia , New Zealand , India , United Arab Emirates , Saudi Arabia For Apollo, I would not restrict the campaign to Germany. Gamescom's business audience is far too international for that. 3️⃣ Audience Reach GLOBAL 🌍 The evidence is unusually strong: 2025 357,000 visitors , 128 countries , 34,000+ trade visitors , 1,568 exhibitors , 72 exhibitor countries , 40 country pavilions representing 35 countries. Therefore: Local reach: High National reach: Very High European reach: Extremely High Global reach: Extremely High 4️⃣ Sample Buyer Companies , BUYERS ONLY For an attendee database campaign, these are the kinds of companies I would prioritize rather than filling the list with journalists, creators or consumers. Game publishing / acquisition buyers Microsoft Gaming , Sony Interactive Entertainment , Nintendo , Electronic Arts , Ubisoft , Bandai Namco Entertainment , SEGA , Tencent Games , NetEase Games , Krafton , Warner Bros. Games , Focus Entertainment , Devolver Digital , Embracer Group , Plaion , THQ Nordic , Take-Two Interactive , 2K , Riot Games , Epic Games Platforms / technology buyers Microsoft , Sony , Nintendo , Valve , Epic Games , NVIDIA , AMD , Intel , Samsung Electronics , Qualcomm , Amazon Web Services , Google Cloud Retail / distribution buyers MediaMarktSaturn , Amazon , GameStop , Fnac Darty , Currys , Elkjøp , Coolblue , Alternate Licensing / consumer-products buyers Funko , Hasbro , Mattel , LEGO Group , Jazwares , Spin Master , Bandai , Ravensburger These are target-account examples, not a claim that every company listed is already confirmed as a Gamescom 2026 attendee. 5️⃣ Best Job Profiles For Gamescom buyer-attendee data, I recommend targeting decision-makers rather than generic "gaming" titles. P1 , Commercial / Publishing Decision Makers CEO , Founder , Co-Founder , Owner , President , Managing Director , General Manager , Chief Business Officer , Chief Commercial Officer , VP Business Development , Head of Business Development , Business Development Director , Director Business Development , Publishing Director , Head of Publishing , VP Publishing , Publishing Manager , Acquisition Director , Head of Acquisitions , Licensing Director , Head of Licensing , Partnerships Director , Head of Partnerships , Strategic Partnerships Director P2 , Product / Game Management Chief Product Officer , VP Product , Head of Product , Product Director , Game Director , Executive Producer , Senior Producer , Producer , Head of Production , Production Director , Portfolio Director , Portfolio Manager , Franchise Director P3 , Technology Buyers CTO , Chief Technology Officer , VP Engineering , Head of Engineering , Engineering Director , Technical Director , Technology Director , IT Director , Head of IT , Infrastructure Director , Head of Infrastructure , Platform Director P4 , Procurement / Sourcing Chief Procurement Officer , VP Procurement , Head of Procurement , Procurement Director , Procurement Manager , Strategic Sourcing Director , Head of Strategic Sourcing , Category Director , Category Manager , Purchasing Director , Purchasing Manager P5 , Marketing / Partnerships Chief Marketing Officer , CMO , VP Marketing , Head of Marketing , Marketing Director , Brand Director , Brand Manager , Marketing Partnerships Director , Sponsorship Director , Head of Sponsorship , Esports Director , Head of Esports 6️⃣ Estimated Attendance Gamescom 2025 recorded around 357,000 total visitors and more than 34,000 trade visitors. For 2026 list-building planning, I would use: Expected overall footfall: approximately 350,000 , 380,000 Likely B2B / trade professional universe: approximately 34,000 , 38,000 That second number is considerably more relevant to your attendee-list business. Don't build a 350K-person Apollo campaign. Most of that figure represents consumers and fans. Your commercially useful universe is closer to the professional gaming ecosystem. 7️⃣ Key Focus Areas & Buyer Engagement Best attendee-list keywords: Video Games , Gaming , Game Development , Game Publishing , Game Publisher , Game Studio , Computer Games , Mobile Games , PC Games , Console Games , Indie Games , Game Distribution , Game Licensing , Game Technology , Gaming Hardware , Esports , Game Engine , Game Development Tools , Interactive Entertainment , Digital Entertainment , Gaming Platform , Cloud Gaming , Game Localization , Game QA , Gaming Accessories , Game Merchandising , Game IP , Game Production Strong buying activity occurs around: Publishing deals , Game acquisition , Distribution agreements , Platform partnerships , Investment , Licensing , IP partnerships , Co-development , Outsourcing , Localization , Hardware distribution , Gaming technology , Cloud infrastructure , User acquisition , Sponsorship , Esports partnerships Gamescom's business environment specifically facilitates industry networking, while its developer ecosystem includes matchmaking, showcases and networking formats. 8️⃣ Best Apollo Industries Using only industries from your Apollo industry list, my recommended order is: P1 , Core Games Computer Games , Computer Software , Entertainment , Information Technology & Services , Internet P2 , Gaming Hardware / Technology Consumer Electronics , Computer Hardware , Semiconductors , Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing , Computer Networking , Telecommunications , Wireless P3 , Media / Content Online Media , Media Production , Broadcast Media , Animation , Motion Pictures & Film , Publishing P4 , Commercial / Distribution Retail , Wholesale , Import & Export , Consumer Goods , Logistics & Supply Chain P5 , Gaming Services / Marketing Marketing & Advertising , Public Relations & Communications , Events Services , Design , Graphic Design , Information Services P6 , Investment Venture Capital & Private Equity , Investment Management , Investment Banking , Financial Services 9️⃣ Apollo Recommended Filters 🔥 Filter 1 , BEST CORE BUYERS Industry Computer Games , Computer Software , Entertainment , Information Technology & Services , Internet Company Keywords video games , gaming , game development , game publisher , game publishing , game studio , mobile games , pc games , console games , interactive entertainment , indie games , game platform Job Titles CEO , Founder , Co-Founder , Owner , President , Managing Director , General Manager , Chief Business Officer , Chief Commercial Officer , VP Business Development , Head of Business Development , Business Development Director , Publishing Director , Head of Publishing , VP Publishing , Acquisition Director , Head of Acquisitions , Licensing Director , Head of Licensing , Partnerships Director , Head of Partnerships , Strategic Partnerships Director Location Germany , United Kingdom , France , Netherlands , Spain , Italy , Poland , Sweden , Finland , United States , Canada , China , Japan , South Korea This should be your first Apollo search. 🔥 Filter 2 , GAME DEVELOPMENT TECHNOLOGY BUYERS Industry Computer Games , Computer Software , Information Technology & Services , Internet , Computer Hardware Keywords game development , game engine , gaming technology , game studio , game software , game tools , game infrastructure , multiplayer gaming , cloud gaming Job Titles CTO , Chief Technology Officer , VP Engineering , Head of Engineering , Engineering Director , Technical Director , Technology Director , IT Director , Head of IT , Infrastructure Director , Head of Infrastructure , Platform Director , Head of Platform , Development Director , Head of Development 🔥 Filter 3 , GAMING HARDWARE BUYERS Industry Consumer Electronics , Computer Hardware , Semiconductors , Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing , Retail , Wholesale , Import & Export Keywords gaming hardware , gaming pc , gaming peripherals , gaming accessories , gaming monitor , gaming headset , gaming keyboard , gaming mouse , gaming chair , computer gaming Job Titles CEO , Founder , Owner , Managing Director , General Manager , Purchasing Director , Purchasing Manager , Procurement Director , Procurement Manager , Head of Procurement , Strategic Sourcing Director , Category Director , Category Manager , Product Director , Head of Product , Buying Director , Buyer 🔥 Filter 4 , LICENSING / MERCHANDISING BUYERS Industry Consumer Goods , Retail , Wholesale , Apparel & Fashion , Sporting Goods , Entertainment , Arts & Crafts Keywords gaming merchandise , licensed merchandise , video game merchandise , collectibles , gaming apparel , character licensing , entertainment licensing , consumer products , toys , gaming accessories Job Titles Licensing Director , Head of Licensing , Licensing Manager , Consumer Products Director , Head of Consumer Products , Merchandise Director , Head of Merchandising , Merchandising Manager , Category Director , Category Manager , Buying Director , Buyer , Partnerships Director , Business Development Director Best Gamescom Apollo Strategy If you want the highest-quality buyer attendee list, I would allocate the database roughly: 40% Game Publishers , Game Studios , Gaming Platforms 20% Technology , Software , Development Tools , Cloud 15% Gaming Hardware , Electronics , Accessories 10% Retail , Distribution , Wholesale 10% Licensing , Merchandise , Consumer Products 5% Investors , Strategic Partners , Agencies The official 2026 exhibitor search already demonstrates the breadth of Gamescom across games , development , hardware , platforms , software , esports , media , merchandising and services, which supports this broader buyer universe. My recommended starting Apollo combination Industry: Computer Games , Computer Software , Entertainment , Information Technology & Services , Internet Keywords: video games , gaming , game development , game publishing , game publisher , game studio , interactive entertainment , mobile games , pc games , console games , indie games Seniority: Owner , Founder , C-Suite , Partner , VP , Head , Director , Manager Location: Germany , United Kingdom , France , Netherlands , Spain , Italy , Poland , Sweden , Finland , United States , Canada , China , Japan , South Korea Employee Size: 11-50 , 51-200 , 201-500 , 501-1000 , 1001-5000 , 5001-10000 , 10001+ Best first title set: CEO , Founder , Co-Founder , Managing Director , Chief Business Officer , Chief Commercial Officer , VP Business Development , Head of Business Development , Business Development Director , Publishing Director , Head of Publishing , VP Publishing , Acquisition Director , Head of Acquisitions , Licensing Director , Head of Licensing , Partnerships Director , Head of Partnerships , Strategic Partnerships Director Client matching Send me the client's website or business email/domain that is buying the Gamescom attendee list from you. I can then review what the client actually sells and give you P1 , P2 , P3 , P4 buyer segments, exact Apollo industries , keywords , job titles , countries , employee sizes and exclusions. That usually makes the targeting substantially tighter than using Gamescom alone.