Computer- und Videospiele: Gamescom startet mit starkem Ausstellerplus auf Rekordniveau

The world's largest computer and video game fair, Gamescom, kicked off with an impressive increase in exhibitors, setting a record. According to organizers, over 1,700 companies, associations, and organizations are participating in the five-day event in Cologne. This surpasses the previous high of 1,568 exhibitors from the previous year. Just a few weeks ago, the organizers had cited more than 1,600 exhibitors, but bookings have been steadily increasing.

Gaming is a billion-dollar industry that is gaining greater significance in the digital age. The visual possibilities are improving, and more people are using smartphones, consoles, and desktop computers to play games. Hundreds of thousands of fans are expected to attend. The main theme of Gamescom this year is "Games make you want to look to the future."

At least 350,000 visitors are anticipated, some of them dressed in elaborate cosplay outfits. Two-thirds of the exhibitors come from abroad, with Asian companies being particularly well-represented.

The rapid expansion of gaming is also evident in the growing interest from politics in the sector. On Wednesday, Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil (SPD), North Rhine-Westphalia Minister-President Hendrik Wüst (CDU), and EU Commission Vice-President Henna Virkkunen were all expected at Gamescom. The president, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, had also been scheduled for Thursday.

It is considered crucial to have games in the mediation of democracy, especially with "Serious Games" - games that have an educational value, such as ones that critically address right-wing extremism and prompt players to reflect. Such Serious Games are a central theme of this year's Gamescom.