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March 6, 2026
The Gamescom 2026 booth application process goes well beyond picking a size. This guide covers when and how to applyPlanning your Gamescom 2026 presence goes well beyond picking a booth size. This guide covers the application process, strategic hall selection, cost calculation, and how to brief an agency properly.
In Part 1 of this series, we covered Gamescom 2026’s key dates, ONL sponsorship rates, and booth rental pricing. This time, we go deeper into the three questions we hear most from exhibitors planning their Gamescom 2026 booth application:

Apply before February 24, 2026. That single decision determines your booth location more than any other factor.
Gamescom assigns booth positions on a first-come, first-served basis. Early bird applicants receive approximately 10% off the standard rental rate — but the more valuable benefit is priority placement. Once the early bird window closes on February 24, the remaining positions are assigned from whatever space is left after priority applicants are placed.
The standard application deadline is July 15, 2026, but by that point the highest-traffic corridors are typically gone. Returning exhibitors also receive preferential treatment in location assignments, which means new entrants need to move even faster.
Key deadlines:
| Application Type | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Early Bird | February 24, 2026 |
| Standard | July 15, 2026 |
If you need main corridor visibility, early bird is not optional — it is the strategy.
Over 70% of general visitors enter through Koelnmesse’s north entrance. From there, the dominant traffic flow runs through Hall 8 toward the main corridor connecting Halls 6, 7, 9, and finally Hall 10.
Understanding this pattern lets you maximize organic footfall without increasing your booth size.
Hall layout by year:
| Year | B2C Halls | Event Hall |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 6, 8, 9, 10 | Hall 7 |
| 2025 | 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 | Hall 2 |
| 2026 (expected) | 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 | TBC |
Hall 5 is dedicated to merchandise and goods.
The golden visitor route:
North Entrance → Hall 8 (Event Hall) → Main Corridor → Halls 6, 7, 9 (B2C) → Hall 10 (Indie)

Booths positioned along the main corridor between these halls benefit from natural, high-volume foot traffic. For exhibitors in Hall 10 (Indie Area), the instinct is to target the main entrance — but in practice, positions near the Hall 9 connecting passage consistently see higher actual visit rates.
Tip: Reference the previous year’s floor plan when selecting your position. Layout details shift year to year, but the core traffic patterns remain consistent.
Booth rental is only part of the budget. Every exhibitor must also pay for energy usage, the AUMA fund contribution, and the mandatory gamescom NOW marketing package — and these add up quickly.
Korean exhibitors can consult with Linemesse (the official Korean representative of Gamescom) for guidance, but the booth application itself must be submitted directly through the official Gamescom online platform. Use the gamescom stand cost calculator to model your specific configuration before applying.
Mandatory fees added on top of rental:
| Item | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Energy cost | €16.00/m² | Power and facility usage |
| AUMA fee | €0.60/m² | German Trade Fair Industry Fund |
| gamescom NOW package | €995 (B2C) / €337 (B2B) | Branding rights and online marketing |
Minimum booth size: 12 sqm.

Pre-application checklist:
Once your booth is confirmed, the compliance and logistics work begins. This is where first-time international exhibitors are most likely to encounter unexpected delays or costs.
Typical agency scope for Gamescom 2026:
Working with an agency that has handled these layers before — ideally with a local presence in Cologne — removes the most time-consuming and error-prone parts of the process.
A Gamescom RFP is not a price comparison document. It is the brief that sets the quality ceiling for everything your agency produces. The more precisely you define your requirements, the better — and more comparable — the proposals you receive.
1. Event Information
2. Booth Overview
3. Proposal Requirements
4. Design Guide (assets required)
5. RFP Timeline
Pro tip: Share your evaluation criteria upfront. When agencies know what you’re prioritising — creative quality, budget efficiency, on-site experience — proposals focus accordingly. Quality goes up significantly.
We have managed Gamescom B2C and B2B for major studios and publishers across Korea, the US, and China. Three things set us apart:
See our Gamescom work — or get in touch to discuss your Gamescom 2026 plans.
The early bird application deadline for Gamescom 2026 is February 24, 2026. Early bird applicants receive approximately 10% off the standard rental rate and gain priority booth placement — high-traffic corridor positions are assigned to early applicants first.
Over 70% of visitors enter through Koelnmesse’s north entrance and follow the route: North Entrance → Hall 8 (Event Hall) → Main Corridor → Halls 6, 7, 9 (B2C) → Hall 10 (Indie). Booths along the main corridor see the highest natural foot traffic. Exhibitors in Hall 10 should prioritise positions near the Hall 9 connecting passage over the main entrance.
In addition to rental fees, all Gamescom 2026 exhibitors must budget for: energy costs at €16.00/m², the AUMA fund fee at €0.60/m², and the mandatory gamescom NOW marketing package (€995 for B2C, €337 for B2B). These are calculated automatically in the official Gamescom stand cost calculator.
Yes, but with conditions. Consumer-facing game companies must apply for a B2C booth first — B2B booth eligibility depends on it. For B2B-only participation, an additional €500 surcharge applies. The B2B booth size is also capped at 1.5× the B2C area.
A Gamescom RFP should cover five areas: event information (dates, venue), booth overview (title count, size, space allocation per game), proposal requirements (concept, demo zones, stage events, merchandise, staffing plan), design guide (logo files, brand colors, IP assets), and RFP timeline (Q&A period, submission deadline, selection date). Sharing your evaluation criteria upfront significantly improves proposal quality.
February 18, 2026
From early bird registration to on-site strategy — everything you need to know about Gamescom 2026, Europe’s largest gaming event.
Gamescom 2026 is shaping up to be the most ambitious edition of Europe’s largest gaming event yet. Held every August at the Koelnmesse complex in Cologne, Germany, Gamescom has become the definitive stage where the gaming industry reveals its future. With record-breaking attendance of 357,000 visitors from 128 countries in 2025 and over 630 million digital impressions worldwide, this is no longer just a European trade show — it is the stage where the gaming industry reveals its future.

For studios, publishers, and gaming brands aiming to reach both industry professionals and passionate consumers, Gamescom 2026 offers unmatched dual access to B2B and B2C audiences in a single event. Whether you are launching a new title, scouting partnerships, or building brand awareness on a global scale, a presence at Gamescom 2026 could be the most impactful marketing investment you make this year.
Gamescom 2026 is Europe’s largest gaming event — and after a record-breaking 2025, expectations are higher than ever. If you’re a studio, publisher, or gaming brand looking to reach both industry insiders and consumers on a global stage, Gamescom 2026 is the most cost-efficient, high-reach event on the calendar.
Before planning for 2026, it helps to understand just how big Gamescom has become.
| Metric | 2025 Figure |
|---|---|
| Venue | 233,000 m² across Koelnmesse |
| Total Visitors | 357,000+ from 128 countries |
| Exhibitors | 1,568 companies from 72 countries |
| B2B Trade Visitors | 34,000+ |
| Opening Night Live Views | 72 million (live) |
| ONL Total Online Reach | 630 million+ impressions |
These numbers make one thing clear: Gamescom is no longer just a European trade show. It is one of the most-watched moments in the global games calendar.

| Program | Dates |
|---|---|
| gamescom dev (formerly devcom) | August 23–25, 2026 |
| Opening Night Live | August 25, 2026 (evening) |
| Business & Media Day | August 26, 2026 |
| B2B Days | August 26–28, 2026 |
| B2C / Public Days | August 26–30, 2026 |
| Venue | Koelnmesse, Cologne, Germany |
B2B runs Wednesday through Friday — dedicated to publishers, platform holders, press, and investors. B2C opens Thursday through Sunday, bringing in hundreds of thousands of consumers ready to play, react, and share. One event, two entirely different audiences.
gamescom dev (the former devcom conference) now runs under the Gamescom umbrella — a useful pre-show window for developer-focused networking and sessions before the main event begins.
Opening Night Live (ONL) is the annual pre-show broadcast hosted by Geoff Keighley. In 2025 it drew 72 million live viewers and 630 million total online impressions — making it one of the highest-reach moments in gaming media.
Sponsorship in ONL is a separate investment from your booth, with minimum eligibility requirements (B2C booth of 100 m²+ or an official B2C activation).

| 30 sec | 60 sec | 90 sec | 120 sec | 150 sec | 180 sec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-show | €63,000 | €92,000 | €120,000 | €150,000 | €180,000 | €210,000 |
| Main Show | €155,000 | €225,000 | €300,000 | €370,000 | €440,000 | €510,000 |
ONL sponsorship is best suited to brands with a major announcement or launch timed to Gamescom — the audience is already primed for reveals.
The single most impactful decision you’ll make is when you register. Early bird applicants get approximately €15/m² off the standard rate and, more importantly, priority booth placement — high-traffic locations go fast.
Applications are submitted through the official Gamescom exhibitor portal and go through a review process before hall and location assignments are made. Companies with consecutive years of participation often receive preferential placement.
Booth Registration & Location Tips

EIDETIC is a global experiential marketing agency specializing in gaming and tech events. Our edge at Gamescom comes from three things:
Whether you’re exhibiting for the first time or scaling up an existing presence, we handle the complexity so your team can focus on what matters: the show.
March 15, 2025

With thousands of gamers and industry professionals gathering at Gamescom every year, proper preparation is key to running a successful booth. As the early bird deadline approaches, inquiries from game companies have surged, particularly regarding booth registration, location selection, and exhibition regulations.
In our previous guide, we covered Gamescom’s key information. Now, let’s dive into how to book a booth at Gamescom 2025 and strategic tips for securing the best location.
Applying late significantly reduces the chances of getting an ideal booth spot. Regular exhibitors are often assigned priority locations, while late applicants are allocated remaining spaces after the initial placements are completed.

The Gamescom 2024 hall plan highlights the busiest visitor pathways inside the venue. Reviewing past layouts can help you choose the best booth location.
Most general visitors enter through the North Entrance of Koelnmesse, and booths located along the main pathway highlighted in the floor plan naturally benefit from higher foot traffic. In particular, visitors heading toward Hall 10 tend to use the passage connecting Hall 9, making it a key area for maximizing visibility
📍 North Entrance → Hall 8 (Event Area) → Main Pathway → Halls 6, 7, 9 (B2C Area) → Hall 10 (Indie Games Area)
If your booth is in Hall 10, choose a location close to the Hall 9 connection for maximum visitor flow.

All booth applications must be submitted through the official Gamescom website. Since pricing varies based on booth type and size, careful planning is essential.

In addition to the base rental fee, mandatory additional charges apply:
These costs are automatically calculated when applying via the Gamescom business website. Once you enter details like your booth size, type, and registration date, the system will calculate the total cost based on various pricing factors.
See the example below for a detailed cost breakdown.


Before applying, keep in mind the following:
Once your booth application is confirmed, it’s time to focus on design, installation approvals, and compliance. Working with an experienced agency can streamline the process and help avoid complications.
We are an experienced agency specializing in Gamescom marketing, helping game companies maximize their global reach and KPIs with strategic planning and execution.
Having worked with major gaming companies from the US, Korea, and China, EIDETIC offers unique advantages:

💡 Behind-the-Scenes at Gamescom with EIDETIC!
March 9, 2025

The early bird registration for Gamescom 2025, the world’s largest gaming exhibition, closed on February 21.
Gamescom continues to set new records each year, with increasing exhibitors and visitors. In 2024, a lot of game companies, including Hoyoverse, Bandai Namco, and Krafton, showcased their latest titles to European gamers. Let’s take a look at some of last year’s impressive numbers:
🔥
3,060,000 sqft exhibition space
335,000 attendees from 120 countries
1,462 companies from 64 countries
1.5 million ONL live viewers
540 million ONL total online views
We attended Gamescom in 2023 and 2024 as part of exhibition projects, witnessing firsthand the event’s massive impact on the gaming industry. With growing anticipation for this year’s participating companies, we’ve compiled key information to help businesses prepare for Gamescom 2025.

Gamescom 2025 will take place from August 20 to 24 in Cologne, kicking off with Opening Night Live (ONL) on August 19.
Since B2B and B2C schedules differ, check the table below for details.
| Gamescom Date | Devcom | ONL (Opening Night Live) |
B2B | B2C | Event |
| 8/18 (MON) |
9:00-19:00 | ||||
| 8/19 (TUE) |
20:00-22:00 | ||||
| 8/20 (WED) |
9:00-19:00 (7:00-20:00 for exhibitors) |
Media Day 9:00-19:00 (7:00-20:00 for exhibitors) |
|||
| 8/21 (THU) |
9:00-20:00 (7:00-21:00 for exhibitors) |
9:00-20:00 (7:00-21:00 for exhibitors) General adminssion from 10am |
12:00- Varies by event schedule |
||
| 8/22 (FRI) |
|||||
| 8/23 (SAT) |
9:00-20:00 (7:00-21:00 for exhibitors) |
||||
| 8/24 (SUN) |
|||||
| *Gamescom City Festival: 8/22(FRI)-8/24(SUN) | |||||
Beyond the exhibition halls, Gamescom is a festival featuring diverse events across the city. Since last year, the Gamescom City Festival has taken over Rudolfplatz and Hohenzollernring, with live performances, gaming showcases, and food markets adding to the excitement.
Additionally, many game developers and publishers leverage the Gamescom Awards as a major marketing tool. Game studios can submit their upcoming titles online throughout July, with nominees announced on opening day in August. The awards ceremony, typically held on the final Friday of Gamescom, is a powerful way to generate buzz before a game’s release.
ONL isn’t just an opening ceremony—it’s a global marketing event live-streamed on Twitch, YouTube, and Gamescom’s official website. Major game studios use ONL to debut trailers, with developers taking the stage to share insights about their games.

In 2024, Hoyoverse showcased Zenless Zone Zero, Bandai Namco unveiled Tekken 8, and Krafton introduced Dark and Darker. The event’s massive reach makes it a prime opportunity for game marketing.
Only exhibitors with a minimum booth size of 100m² can apply for ONL sponsorship. Pricing is based on video length:

While the cost is significant, the exposure is unparalleled—ONL viewership exceeds 540 million. Because ONL shapes the first impression of a game, developers should create high-impact trailers and strategically plan content if showcasing multiple IPs.
Gamescom takes place at Koelnmesse, spanning 3,060,000 sqft, making it one of the largest gaming expos in the world.
For comparison, Anime Expo is held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, which is 720,000 sqft—Gamescom’s venue is more than four times larger.
📍 Note: B2C hall assignments may change based on exhibitors and booth sizes. In 2023, Halls 6, 8, 9, and 10 were used for B2C, while Hall 7 hosted events.


📍 Tip: Koelnmesse is huge and maze-like, so save a digital map on your phone. The venue has multiple entrances (East, West, North, South)—plan your route accordingly.
Game companies planning to exhibit should apply during the early bird period (~Feb 21) to secure a better booth location and save on costs.

Companies with well-placed booths gain higher visitor engagement. Last year, HYBE’s booth strategically positioned near key traffic zones saw strong foot traffic.
Booths can only be registered through Gamescom’s official website.
Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll cover step-by-step booth application tips and expert insights!
We are an experienced agency specializing in Gamescom marketing, helping game companies maximize their global reach and KPIs with strategic planning and execution.
Having worked with major gaming companies from the US, Korea, and China, EIDETIC offers unique advantages:


💡 Behind-the-Scenes at Gamescom with EIDETIC!
With a track record of delivering exceptional results, EIDETIC ensures your vision aligns with execution for a successful Gamescom experience.
✨ Stay tuned for exclusive insights from our Gamescom 2025 projects!
July 2, 2024
Welcome to the comprehensive guide for exhibitors at Gamescom 2024. This guide will provide essential information to ensure a successful and smooth experience at one of the world’s largest gaming conventions.
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As of February 29, 2024, early bird registration for Gamescom 2024 has closed. This year, Gamescom has seen a 21% increase in the number of exhibitors compared to its record-breaking year in 2019. This represents a 28% increase over 2023, with a 66% rise in booked exhibition space. A total of 42 countries have registered early, with many participating through national pavilions. Confirmed participants include South Korea, the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Belgium, France, Greece, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, and Turkey.

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The official schedule for 2024 Gamescom is from Wednesday, August 21 to Sunday, August 25.
The event will have separate schedules for the B2B (Business Area) and B2C (Entertainment Area) sectors. Please refer to the following table for details:


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Gamescom is held at the massive Koelnmesse exhibition center, covering an area of 700,000 square meters, making it the largest gaming show globally. The exhibition is divided into B2C, B2B, merch store, and event areas.
You’d better download the following Gamescom hall plan images on your phone in advance!

Navigating the vast Koelnmesse center can be challenging, so it is advisable to save the map on your phone. Entry points are located at the east, west, south, and north gates.

Other useful links and downloads
Make sure to determine which entrance is closest to your destination hall. Maps are also available at hall entrances, where “Level 1” and “Level 2” indicate the floors.
Since the B2B area spans multiple floors, plan your movements with ample time, especially if you have scheduled meetings. For shortcuts, refer to the additional post linked in the guide.
With the early bird period concluded, booth applications now follow regular pricing. Booth costs at Gamescom include rental fees, energy costs, deposits (facility usage fees), and mandatory contributions to the German Trade Fair Industry Fund.


Gamescom Booth prices vary based on type (e.g., corner stand, island stand), so calculate costs on the Gamescom business site before applying.

Booth applications are only accepted online. Note that costs differ if you only rent a B2B booth, so verify prices on the site in advance. Key regulations for booth rental include:
Once your booth rental is confirmed, it’s just the beginning. Ensure you understand booth installation regulations, design restrictions, and undergo the design approval process.
Working with an agency can help navigate these requirements efficiently.
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Eidetic Marketing, the agency behind successful campaigns for HYBE IM and BMW at Gamescom 2023, combines global talent and local trends to help game companies achieve their KPIs. Our strategic planning aligns with on-ground execution, delivering seamless and effective results.

Given the diverse international audience at Gamescom, multilingual staff are crucial. Our global team speaks English, German, Japanese, Chinese, and French, ensuring smooth communication and engagement with visitors. Our positive energy and cohesive teamwork resonate well with attendees.

As a dedicated Gamescom agency, our strengths lie in trend-aligned exhibition planning and robust execution. From operational know-how to dining recommendations, our extensive local knowledge adds significant value.
We look forward to another exciting and successful Gamescom this year!
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