Monthly Archives: May 2025

Gamescom Merchandise Rules: FAQ for Exhibitors

May 22, 2025

Gamescom Merchandise Rules: FAQ for Exhibitors

 

 


 

Why Do Fans Go Crazy for Gamescom Merch?

 

At Gamescom, merchandise isn’t just a side attraction—it’s a full-blown phenomenon. Hall 5, known as the “Merchandise Area,” transforms into a massive merchandise hall every year, packed with everything from figurines and apparel to cosplay gear and mystery boxes.

 

gamescom-merchandise-hall-5-lucky-box-lucky-bags

 

The energy is incredible, with fans changing into freshly bought T-shirts on the spot and diving into lucky bags with childlike excitement. But here’s something many exhibitors don’t know.

You may be able to sell merchandise right inside your own booth.If your booth meets certain conditions, you can run your own branded merch zone right inside the Entertainment Hall.

This guide walks you through the official Gamescom merchandise rules, so you can plan your booth, stay compliant, and create a memorable experience for fans.

 

nikke merch zone show window at AGF: white background with mint colored light, centered NIKKE big signage and merch products on the wall


Gamescom Merchandise Rules FAQ

Can we sell merchandise at our Gamescom booth?

Yes, but there are restrictions.
In principle, merchandise sales are allowed only in Hall 5 (Merchandise Area).
However, if your booth is 600㎡ or larger, sales are also permitted in the BTC Hall (Entertainment Area).

gamescom merchandise rules: hoyoverse merch zone

What are the requirements for selling merchandise at a booth in the Entertainment Hall?

Exhibitors must meet all three of the following conditions:
• The booth is located in the BTC Hall and is at least 600㎡ in size.
• Merchandise is based on your own intellectual property(IP).
• The sales zone occupies no more than 30% of the total booth area.
The booth must maintain a cohesive visual identity, and the merchandise area should blend seamlessly into the overall design—rather than standing out as a separate retail space.

gamescom merchandise rules: Hybe astra merch zone with attendees

What types of merchandise are prohibited?

The following items may not be sold:
• Products unrelated to your IP, such as food or beverages
• Real weapons or replicas that resemble actual weapons
Not following these rules may result in your booth being shut down by the organizer (Koelnmesse).

gamescom character card at merch zone

Can we use a POS system at the booth?

Yes. However, exhibitors are responsible for bringing their own equipment, as POS terminals are not provided by the organizer.
Common systems used in Europe include SumUp and Zettle by PayPal.
It’s recommended to support multiple payment methods, such as card and mobile QR payment.

nikke booth merchandise selling POS


What You Need to Prepare for On-Site Merchandise Sales

1. Inventory management

Use a system that allows real-time tracking. Consider linking slow-moving items to on-site promotions.

2. Storage space

Rent dedicated storage through Gamescom or set up a backroom area within your booth.

3. Sales reporting

Track daily sales by item. This helps with post-show analysis and future planning.

4. Staffing

Assign multilingual sales staff to support international visitors and improve the customer experience.

Gamescom-tips-for-exhibitors-by-gamescom-agency


Merch as Brand Experience

Following the official Gamescom merchandise rules not only ensures compliance, but also equips you to deliver a professional, engaging fan experience.

When designed thoughtfully, your merch area becomes an extension of your brand—not just a place to sell. It becomes part of your IP story: a space where fans can connect, remember, and take a piece of your world home with them.

Planning to activate merchandise at Gamescom?
Eidetic helps exhibitors turn ideas into immersive, on-brand experiences.

See our Gamescom Work → BMW Gamescom Booth

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How to Exhibit at a Korean Game Show G-STAR Korea

May 18, 2025

G-STAR 2026 Exhibitor Guide: How to Exhibit in Korea

G-STAR 2026 brings a notable change to Korea’s largest game show. For the first time in the event’s history, the main sponsor is not a game company, but WRTN Technologies, the company behind the AI platform Crack.

For exhibitors already confirmed for G-STAR 2026, securing booth space is only the beginning. The next challenge is standing out on the show floor, attracting the right audiences, and turning that attention into meaningful engagement.

This G-STAR exhibitor guide covers the decisions that come next, from booth strategy and production timelines to visitor flow, regulations, merchandise, and marketing beyond BEXCO.

G-STAR at BEXCO convention center in Busan, Korea with large crowd of attendees
BEXCO in Busan, South Korea.

G-STAR 2026 at a Glance

G-STAR is South Korea’s largest annual game exhibition, bringing together game publishers, developers, platforms, industry professionals, and gaming audiences at BEXCO in Busan.

The show is broadly divided into BTC and BTB programs. BTC is consumer-facing, while BTB focuses on business meetings, networking, and industry opportunities.

G-STAR 2026 Details
Venue BEXCO, Busan, South Korea
BTC Exhibition November 19–22, 2026
BTB Exhibition November 19–21, 2026
Organizer Korea Association of Game Industry
Early Bird Application March 3–April 30, 2026
General Application May 26–July 31, 2026
Current Status Exhibitor applications closed

With the application period complete, the focus now shifts from securing exhibition space to preparing the actual experience and making sure all operational requirements are ready before move-in.

 Choosing Your G-STAR Booth Format

The application process starts on the official G-STAR website. Exhibitors create an account, submit an online application, receive organizer approval and an invoice, and complete payment.

One of the first planning decisions is choosing the right exhibition format for the project.

G-STAR 2026 offers three main booth options:

Booth Type What It Means Best Suited For
Independent Booth G-STAR’s space-only option for custom booth construction Large BTC activations and custom brand experiences
Shell Scheme Booth A prebuilt booth package with a simpler setup Smaller exhibitors that do not require a fully custom structure
Lounge Booth A BTB-only format located within the networking area Meetings, networking, and business development

G-STAR refers to its space-only option as an Independent Booth. International exhibitors may also recognize this format as raw space or a space-only booth. Raw space provides the floor area, while the exhibitor separately plans and produces the custom booth.

For larger consumer activations, raw space provides more flexibility to build an experience around game demos, stage programming, merchandise, content, and visitor engagement.

For current participation fees, discounts, payment conditions, cancellation rules, and application requirements, see our G-STAR 2026 Booth Application Guide.

What Will Your G-STAR Booth Really Cost?

Booth rental is only one part of a G-STAR budget. Booth size, construction, content, staffing, and on-site operations can significantly affect the total cost. Use EIDETIC’s Booth Cost Estimator to get an initial planning range for your G-STAR booth.

G-STAR Preparation Timeline

A G-STAR project normally starts months before the show. International exhibitors need enough time to coordinate booth production in Korea while also preparing game content, creative assets, talent, merchandise, logistics, and internal approvals.

JUNE–JULY

Planning and Agency Selection

  1. Send RFPs and select an exhibition or experiential marketing agency.
  2. Define booth objectives, KPIs, game or IP priorities, and an approximate budget.
  3. Establish the initial booth layout and creative direction.
  4. Identify demo zones, stage programs, merchandise, photo opportunities, and visitor activities.
  5. Secure in-demand cosplayers, creators, MCs, or other talent early if they are part of the program.

A clear agency brief makes it easier to compare proposals and determine whether a concept is realistic within the available space, budget, and production schedule.

If you are preparing agency outreach, our G-STAR Booth Design & Production RFP Guide covers the information that should be included in the brief.

AUGUST–SEPTEMBER

Design and Production

  1. Finalize booth design, zoning, visitor flow, and demo areas.
  2. Develop trailers, graphics, interactive content, and stage programming.
  3. Plan queue management and visitor capacity for major activities.
  4. Begin cosplay costume and prop production where required.
  5. Prepare multilingual brochures, press materials, signage, and operational content.
  6. Design and produce merchandise and giveaway items.
  7. Confirm external partners or sponsors supporting equipment, prizes, or activities.
  8. Plan storage, staff circulation, technical areas, and replenishment routes.

Design and operations should be developed together. Demo duration, queue capacity, stage crowds, merchandise storage, and staff access can all affect the final floor plan.

OCTOBER–NOVEMBER

Final Operations

  1. Submit required exhibitor forms and exhibitor service orders.
  2. Confirm exhibitor badges, contractor information, utilities, and logistics.
  3. Finalize booth staff roles for demos, B2B meetings, stage operations, merchandise, and visitor support.
  4. Coordinate B2B meetings and guest schedules.
  5. Complete staff training, cue sheets, rehearsals, and escalation procedures.
  6. Finalize PR, social media, creator, and media outreach.
  7. Confirm merchandise inventory and replenishment plans.
  8. Prepare contingency plans for technical, staffing, or operational issues.
G-STAR 2026 deadline: Many mandatory and optional exhibitor forms are due by October 16, 2026, including utility orders, badge applications, contractor notifications, in-booth event plans, and on-site sales plans.

For confirmed G-STAR 2026 exhibitors, these final operational requirements should now be a priority.

Planning Your G-STAR Booth

A major G-STAR BTC booth operates differently from a conventional trade show display.

Visitors may come to play a game, watch a stage event, meet a creator, take photos with cosplayers, complete missions, collect merchandise, or simply explore a new IP. Several of these activities can happen simultaneously within the same space.

In practice, a large G-STAR booth can operate more like a temporary entertainment venue.

G-STAR KOREA 2025 NC SOFT Cinter City demo zone 2

Build for More Than Display

Strong visual impact matters on a crowded show floor, but the booth also needs to support everything that happens after a visitor notices it.

Depending on the project, that can include playable demos, stage programming, esports, cosplay, photo opportunities, interactive missions, merchandise, community activities, creator appearances, media content, and VIP or B2B meetings.

The right combination depends on the IP, audience, booth size, and exhibition objective.

A new game preparing for launch may prioritize playable demos and media content. An established IP may place more emphasis on fan activities, merchandise, and community experiences. A publisher presenting several games may need a completely different zoning strategy.

G-STAR B2C NC booth dome theater theme

Plan the Visitor Journey Early

Visitor flow should be treated as part of the booth design rather than something to solve after construction.

VISITOR FLOW CHECKLIST
  1. How many visitors can each demo zone handle per hour?
  2. Where will queues form?
  3. How will visitors enter and leave major activities?
  4. Can staff move between operational areas without crossing visitor queues?
  5. Where will merchandise, equipment, and supplies be stored?
  6. How will items be replenished during the day?
  7. Will stage audiences interfere with nearby activities?
  8. Where will creators, cosplayers, and VIP guests enter and wait?

A demo zone may look efficient on a floor plan but still create a bottleneck if each gameplay session lasts too long. A stage may draw a strong crowd but block access to another activity. A merchandise area may require far more storage and queue capacity than expected.

These problems are easier to solve during design than during move-in.

For a closer look at booth themes, visitor flow, interactive experiences, cosplay, merchandise, and stage programming, see our G-STAR Booth Design & Operation Tips.

EIDETIC CASE

WEBZEN at G-STAR 2024

WEBZEN’s G-STAR booth combined playable content, interactive missions, cosplay, merchandise, stage programming, and visitor operations within one exhibition experience.

EIDETIC’s scope included creative strategy, visitor journey planning, booth design and production, cosplay costume production, and stage execution.

View the WEBZEN G-STAR project

Choosing a Booth Location

G-STAR’s BTC and BTB exhibitions serve different purposes and operate in separate exhibition areas, so booth location should not be evaluated in the same way for both.

For BTC exhibitors, location can directly affect visibility, organic visitor traffic, queue placement, stage exposure, and how easily visitors enter and leave the booth. A position close to a major entrance may provide immediate exposure, but the most visible space is not automatically the best space.

When evaluating a BTC booth location, consider:

  • ・Main visitor entrances and traffic direction
  • ・Nearby exhibitors
  • ・Booth orientation and open sides
  • ・Available queue space
  • ・Stage visibility
  • ・Storage and service access
  • ・Proximity to exits, restrooms, and food areas

Large booths also need enough surrounding space to manage queues and stage crowds without blocking neighboring exhibitors or major aisles.

For BTB exhibitors, the priorities are different. Visibility to general visitors matters less than access to meeting areas, networking spaces, and the overall business flow of the BTB exhibition.

G-Star KOREA 2025 Floor Plan BTC_ENG_001
2025 G-STAR BTC floor plan

Past G-STAR floor plans can provide useful context for understanding how visitors move through BEXCO, although booth assignments and the exhibitor mix change each year.

Our G-STAR Booth Location Guide looks more closely at previous floor plans, visitor traffic, and booth placement.

Exhibitor Rules & Operations

International exhibitors should review operational requirements early enough to incorporate them into production plans.
Some requirements affect only paperwork. Others directly affect booth layout, construction, staffing, technical planning, and visitor access.

Exhibitor Services and Required Forms

Electricity, LAN, water, and other technical requirements are handled through exhibitor service applications. G-STAR also requires separate forms for exhibitor information, badges, raw-space contractors, in-booth events, on-site sales, heavy exhibits, and other operational requirements.

Not all forms are submitted through the G-STAR website. For 2026, some applications are completed online, while others must be submitted by email. For example, the Raw Space Booth Contractor Notification requires both online and email submission, while forms such as the In-booth Event Plan and On-site Sales Plan are submitted by email. Some documents are submitted on site during the exhibition.

2026 KEY DEADLINE

October 16, 2026

Many G-STAR exhibitor submissions are due by this date, including utility orders, exhibitor information, badge applications, contractor notifications, in-booth event plans, and on-site sales plans.

These submissions should not be treated as a final administrative task. Power requirements, internet connections, exhibit weight, contractor access, and technical infrastructure can all influence the design and production plan.

Age-Restricted Game Content

If an exhibitor plans to demonstrate age-restricted game content, those requirements should be reviewed before the booth layout is finalized.

At a minimum, exhibitors should account for rating information, visibility around demo areas, age verification, and controlled visitor access where required.

AGE-RESTRICTED CONTENT
  1. Display the applicable game rating clearly.
  2. Plan the demo area so restricted content is not unnecessarily exposed to underage visitors.
  3. Prepare an age-verification and access-control process where required.

Always confirm the current requirements in the latest G-STAR Exhibitor Manual before finalizing the booth layout.

Korean game show G-STAR Korea booth guidelines for game content ratings

Merchandise and On-Site Sales

Merchandise plays a major role at consumer game exhibitions, whether it is sold directly, distributed as a giveaway, or used as a reward for completing an activity.

Exhibitors planning to sell products on site should include sales operations in the approval and planning process. For G-STAR 2026, the organizer provides an On-site Sales Plan form with an October 16 submission deadline.

The physical sales area also needs operational planning. Inventory, payment, packaging, staffing, storage, replenishment, and queue capacity can quickly turn a small merchandise corner into one of the busiest parts of the booth.

2023 G-STAR WEBZEN: G-STAR Merchandise
G-STAR merchandise operations

For more information on venue layouts, outdoor booth requirements, construction considerations, and operating regulations, see our G-STAR Outdoor Booth & Exhibition Regulations Guide.

Measuring Booth Performance

Foot traffic alone does not show whether a G-STAR booth achieved its objective.

A useful measurement plan starts by defining which visitor behaviors matter before the booth experience is designed.

POSSIBLE BOOTH KPIs
  1. Game demo participation
  2. Visitor dwell time
  3. Mission participation and completion
  4. Dropout rate
  5. Merchandise or reward redemption
  6. Stage attendance
  7. QR scans or digital registrations
  8. Social media engagement
  9. Content creation and sharing
  10. B2B meetings or qualified leads

The most useful KPI depends on the role of each activity.

A broad giveaway should not be evaluated in the same way as a playable demo or a multi-step mission. Likewise, a photo opportunity may be more valuable for content creation than for dwell time.

Thinking about measurement during the planning stage also makes it easier to design experiences that produce trackable behavior rather than trying to reconstruct performance after the event.

EIDETIC CASE

Mission-Based Visitor Engagement

At WEBZEN’s G-STAR booth, mission-based activities connected different visitor touchpoints with merchandise rewards and digital verification.

The structure encouraged visitors to move through multiple parts of the booth while giving the team clearer participation and completion data than simple foot-traffic counts alone.

Different activities should be measured against different objectives. Demo participation, merchandise redemption, social content, and B2B meetings should not all be measured in the same way.

Getting to BEXCO & Where to Stay

G-STAR takes place at BEXCO in Busan, about 325 km southeast of Seoul. International visitors arriving through Incheon International Airport will usually need to travel onward to Busan by train, domestic flight, or private transportation.

From Typical Route Arrival in Busan
Incheon Airport Airport → Seoul Station → KTX Busan Station
Seoul KTX from Seoul Station Busan Station
Gimpo Airport Domestic flight to Busan Gimhae International Airport

From Busan Station or Gimhae International Airport, visitors can travel to BEXCO by subway, taxi, or private transportation.
For detailed routes from Incheon Airport and Seoul to Busan, see our Guide to Getting to BEXCO for G-STAR Exhibitors.

Where to Stay

For most G-STAR exhibitors, Centum City and Haeundae are the most practical areas to consider.

Area What to Know
Centum City Closest to BEXCO and the most convenient option for easy access to the exhibition venue.
Haeundae Offers a wide range of hotels, restaurants, cafés, and convenient options for client dinners and meetings outside show hours.
Gwangalli A popular waterfront area with restaurants, cafés, and views of Gwangan Bridge, while still offering relatively easy access to BEXCO.

For hotel recommendations, parking information, and transportation tips around BEXCO, see our G-STAR Hotel, Parking & Transportation Tips.

Beyond the Booth

G-STAR audiences are not limited to BEXCO.

During G-STAR week, gamers, creators, media, industry teams, and brand representatives move through Busan Station, Centum City, Haeundae, Gwangalli, and other high-traffic areas.

For larger campaigns, these locations can create additional touchpoints before visitors enter the exhibition or after they leave.

Potential formats include:

  • ・Large-format and digital OOH
  • ・Transit advertising
  • ・Branded installations
  • ・Pop-ups
  • ・Photo opportunities
  • ・Community events
  • ・Hospitality events
  • ・Nighttime activations

Busan Station can reach audiences as they arrive in the city, while Haeundae and Gwangalli are better suited to destination-based experiences. Centum City provides proximity to BEXCO and existing retail traffic.

G-Star Busan OOH

An official outdoor booth at BEXCO and an off-site activation elsewhere in Busan are different formats and may involve different space, production, approval, and operating requirements.

See our G-STAR Outdoor Advertising & Event Marketing Guide for examples of how the wider city can become part of a G-STAR campaign.

EIDETIC at G-STAR

EIDETIC has worked with game brands at G-STAR for more than a decade, supporting projects across booth strategy, visitor experience, design, production, content, and on-site execution.

Recent projects show how different brands can use the same exhibition in very different ways.

NC AION2 booth at G-STAR 2025.
NC · G-STAR 2025

Cinema theme · Dome theater · Playable demos · Large-scale LED content

View Project →
WEBZEN TERBIS carnival booth at G-STAR 2025.
WEBZEN · G-STAR 2025

Carnival experience · Playable demos · Interactive missions · Merchandise

View Project →
EA Sports booth experience at G-STAR 2023.
EA Sports · G-STAR 2023

Esports · Brand history · Player-tunnel experience · Visitor content

View Project →

G-STAR Exhibitor FAQ

Can we use the same cosplay costumes and 18+ demo setup we use at Anime Expo or Tokyo Game Show?

Not always. G-STAR has historically applied stricter rules regarding costume exposure and age-restricted content. Highly revealing costumes may need to be modified, and 18+ demos may require controlled access and age verification.

Can we sell merchandise at a G-STAR booth?

Yes, but on-site sales must be planned in advance. For G-STAR 2026, the On-site Sales Plan is due by October 16.

Do stage events or in-booth activations require prior approval?

Yes. G-STAR 2026 requires an In-booth Event Plan for planned stage programs and booth activities, due by October 16.

How much should we budget for a G-STAR booth?

For G-STAR 2026, an Independent Booth costs USD 2,000 per 9 m² while a Shell Scheme Booth costs USD 3,000 per unit. Construction and activation costs are additional. Use our Booth Cost Estimator for a broader planning range.

Planning a G-STAR Project?

G-STAR requires booth strategy, design, production, content, staffing, logistics, and on-site operations to work as one project. EIDETIC supports global game brands with exhibition strategy, custom booth design and production, experiential content, staffing, and on-site execution in Korea.

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Top Gamescom Event Venues in Cologne for B2B Meetings and Networking

May 11, 2025

Top Gamescom Event Venues in Cologne for B2B Meetings and Networking

During Gamescom, many B2B exhibitors go beyond the convention floor to host business meetings, press briefings, and networking receptions in carefully selected venues across Cologne. These off-site Gamescom event venues in Cologne offer more control over branding, atmosphere, and guest experience—especially for exhibitors with a limited presence on the show floor.

Choosing the right venue is critical. It should not only reflect the spirit of Gamescom but also align with your brand tone and logistical needs. Key considerations include proximity to Koelnmesse, guest capacity, rental conditions, and whether the space holds symbolic value within Cologne’s cultural or business landscape.

In this guide, you’ll find a curated list of trusted venues used by global brands during Gamescom. While costs vary depending on setup, season, and duration, early planning and local insight make all the difference. If you’re planning a B2B activation, these venues are worth your shortlist.


Koeln Sky

Located just steps away from Koelnmesse, Koeln Sky offers a premium rooftop space with breathtaking panoramic views of Cologne and the Rhine. This venue is renowned for hosting both high-end corporate events and private occasions, including weddings, thanks to its elegant ambiance and versatile spaces.

With a total event area of 450 square meters, Koeln Sky can accommodate up to 400 guests for standing receptions and approximately 150 guests for seated banquets, making it ideal for various event formats.

  • • Type: Rooftop event venue
  • • Distance from Koelnmesse: Approximately 5 minutes by car
  • • Website: koelnsky.com

Rooftop views of Cologne and the Rhine at Koeln Sky good for Gamescom B2B Event Venue
Rooftop views of Cologne and the Rhine (Koelnsky.com)


Flora Köln

Flora Köln is a historic botanical garden venue that offers a classical and elegant setting, perfect for upscale dinners, sponsor receptions, or formal gatherings. The venue blends traditional architecture with lush garden surroundings, making it especially attractive for evening events or brand showcases with a premium tone.

  • • Type: Heritage event hall / botanical venue
  • • Distance from Koelnmesse: Approx. 8 minutes by car
  • • Website: flora-koeln.de

traditional architecture Flora Koln for Gamescom B2B Conference & Event
Flora Koln (koelncongress.de)


Balloni Hallen

Balloni Hallen is a renovated industrial venue located in a former crane factory, offering a blend of character and advanced technical capabilities.
Its centerpiece is a 500 sqm multifunctional hall—fully air-conditioned and equipped with modern lighting, audio, projection systems, and full HD streaming infrastructure. This makes it an ideal location not only for product showcases and creative workshops, but also for hybrid events, live broadcasts, and streaming productions.

  • • Type: Industrial-style venue
  • • Distance from Koelnmesse: Approx. 17 minutes by car
  • • Website: balloni.de/hallen/

Balloni Hallen Event Venue for Gamescom streaming hybrid events
Balloni Hallen Event Venue (balloni.de)


Chocolate Museum

For brands seeking a unique and memorable setting, the Chocolate Museum offers a charming riverside venue with versatile spaces.
You can host your event in the exclusive Bel Etage overlooking Cologne Cathedral, the panorama restaurant along the Rhine, or even inside the working chocolate factory for a truly immersive experience. These flexible options make the museum a popular choice for casual networking, themed press events, or VIP meetups. Due to its iconic status, this venue tends to attract strong interest, especially during Gamescom season.

  • • Type: Cultural/museum space
  • • Distance from Koelnmesse: Approx. 10 minutes by car
  • • Website: schokoladenmuseum.de/en/

Chocolate Museum in Colgne for Gamescom exhibitor company networking, event space
Chocolate Museum in Colgne (schokoladenmuseum.de)


Ludwig Museum

Ludwig Museum offers one of the most iconic event backdrops in Cologne—located directly between Cologne Cathedral and the Hohenzollern Bridge, it provides an unforgettable atmosphere that blends art, architecture, and city energy.
During the summer, the venue’s outdoor terrace becomes a true urban oasis, allowing guests to celebrate under open skies in the very heart of the city, right in the shadow of the Cathedral.

This cultural institution is ideal for press briefings, executive gatherings, and brand events seeking both sophistication and strong visual impact. The museum can accommodate up to 500 guests depending on the format, and its central location makes it easily accessible from anywhere in the city.

  • • Type: Museum / cultural venue
  • • Distance from Koelnmesse: Approx. 12 minutes by car
  • • Website: ludwig-im-museum.de

Ludwig Museum Colgne Cathedral for a networking party game companies b2b c-level
Ludwig Museum (KölnTourismus GmbH)


Hilton Cologne

Hilton’s central location and professional service make it a reliable choice for corporate meetings, hospitality lounges, or sponsor events. The hotel offers a full range of services and adaptable meeting rooms for various group sizes.

  • • Type: Hotel ballroom and meeting space
  • • Distance from Koelnmesse: Approx. 13 minutes by car
  • • Website: Hilton Cologne

Hilton Cologne Meeting Space
Hilton Cologne Conference Room
Hilton Cologne for meeting conference venues
Hilton Cologne


If you’re preparing a networking event, media conference, or private showcase during Gamescom and want to know the expected costs or booking timelines for any of the venues above, feel free to reach out to us.
We have on-the-ground staff based in Germany to support smooth communication and coordination throughout the planning process.

📌 View our networking & conference portfolio


📩 Contact us for venue booking support and pricing inquiries

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Gamescom Booth Cost FAQ for Exhibitors

May 3, 2025

gamescom bmw b2c attendees in front of the booth

One of the most frequently asked questions from companies preparing for Gamescom is, “How much does it cost to exhibit?”

Gamescom booth costs vary depending on booth type, size, application timing, and additional fees. This section provides a complete overview—from B2B/B2C booth costs to ONL sponsorship and extra fees—to help exhibitors make an informed budget plan.

Previous posts:

  • Part 1: How to Exhibit at Gamescom (Link)
  • Part 2: Best Booth Locations at Gamescom (Link)

How much does it cost to exhibit?

Booth costs vary by booth type (e.g., terrace, corner, island), area (㎡), and application timing. You can use the Gamescom Stand Cost Calculator to get a real-time quote.

How much does a Terrace Stand booth cost at Gamescom?

A Terrace Stand has one open side facing an aisle:
Up to 150㎡ (~16 booths): €183.50/㎡ → approx. €1,651.50 per booth (9㎡)
Up to 500㎡ (~55 booths): €163.50/㎡ → approx. €1,471.50 per booth (9㎡)

How much does a Corner Stand booth cost at Gamescom?

A Corner Stand has two open sides:
Up to 150㎡ (~16 booths): €190.00/㎡ → approx. €1,710.00 per booth (9㎡)
Up to 500㎡ (~55 booths): €171.00/㎡ → approx. €1,539.00 per booth (9㎡)

How much does a Two-corner Stand booth cost at Gamescom?

A Two-corner Stand has three open sides:
Up to 150㎡ (~16 booths): €197.00/㎡ → approx. €1,773.00 per booth (9㎡)
Up to 500㎡ (~55 booths): €177.00/㎡ → approx. €1,593.00 per booth (9㎡)
Up to 1,000㎡ (~111 booths): €157.50/㎡ → approx. €1,417.50 per booth (9㎡)
Above 1,001㎡: €129.50/㎡ → approx. €1,165.50 per booth (9㎡)

How much does an Island Stand booth cost at Gamescom?

An Island Stand has aisles on all four sides:
Up to 500㎡ (~55 booths): €184.00/㎡ → approx. €1,656.00 per booth (9㎡)
Up to 1,000㎡ (~111 booths): €163.50/㎡ → approx. €1,471.50 per booth (9㎡)
Above 1,001㎡: €135.50/㎡ → approx. €1,219.50 per booth (9㎡)

EA sports football club in the game show exhibition

How can I exhibit B2B booth at Gamescom?

To qualify for a B2B booth at Gamescom, you must first apply for a B2C booth if your company targets end-users. The B2B booth size can be up to 1.5 times larger than your B2C booth.
The maximum B2B booth size must not exceed 1.5 times the area of your B2C booth. For example, if your B2C booth is 50㎡, your B2B booth can be up to 75㎡.

What additional costs are there besides the Gamescom booth fee?

Additional mandatory costs include:

  • • Energy fee: €16 per ㎡
  • • AUMA fee (German Exhibition Promotion Fund): €0.60 per ㎡
  • • Gamescom now Package (Marketing Promotion Package):
    • – B2C exhibitors: €975
    • – B2B exhibitors: €330

❗️Please note, prices listed by Gamescom are before taxes, so expect about a 20% increase in total costs.

What Will Your Gamescom Booth Really Cost?

Official stand fees and mandatory charges are only part of the full exhibition budget. Use EIDETIC’s Booth Cost Estimator to calculate an initial planning range covering estimated booth rental, construction, and operational expenses.

How much does ONL sponsorship cost at Gamescom?

Opening Night Live (ONL) is the official opening event of Gamescom and one of the most high-profile live-streamed game marketing stages globally. Sponsorship costs vary by video duration:

Video DurationONL Sponsorship Cost
30 seconds€140,000
60 seconds€205,000
90 seconds€270,000
120 seconds€335,000
150 seconds€400,000
180 seconds€465,000

ONL is not just an advertisement; it’s the moment your IP makes its first impression. High-impact trailers and smart creative planning are crucial—especially if you plan to showcase more than one title.

What are the requirements for ONL sponsorship?

To apply for ONL sponsorship, exhibitors must have a B2C booth of at least 100㎡ or operate an official B2C activation (e.g., demo zone).
gamescom booth cost ONL cost

ONL is a pre-approved program so your game content and marketing strategy must meet Gamescom’s evaluation criteria.

Gamescom parking fee?

Gamescom parking permit fee: €50.58 (including tax)

Exhibitors must purchase an Exhibitor Parking Permit in advance. Upon arrival, clearly display the permit on your dashboard, and the parking staff will guide you accordingly.

Gamescom service purchase page (Link)


Eidetic Marketing: Your Agency for Global Exhibitions

👉 Visit the Eidetic Gamescom Portfolio for real examples and insights.

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