Reflections on Gamescom 2024: A Celebration of Gaming

As Gamescom 2024 comes to an end for me, I’m reminded of the unique experiences and insights I’ve gained each year since my first event in Cologne back in 2009. This experience goes beyond direct business; it encompasses friendships, awareness of the latest technologies, and efforts to promote Jordan and the MENA region as emerging hubs for video gaming and promising esports destinations. Each year, I leave with a deeper understanding of the industry and a stronger connection to the vibrant community shaping the future of gaming in our region.

While the excitement may reach an end for the B2B today, gamers and fans can still enjoy the B2C space until August 25th, when they can connect with their favorite games and witness new release announcements.

Cologne, Germany, is a lively city known for its history and cultural sites. It's the largest city in North Rhine-Westphalia and the fourth most populous in Germany, with over 1 million residents. Koelnmesse, the venue for Gamescom and Devcom, is in Cologne and is a top trade fair organizer. Its location makes it easy to reach by public transport and close to many attractions, providing a rich cultural experience for visitors. The organizers offer free transportation with each trade visitor ticket during the conference period using local trains, trams, and the local transportation network.

Gamescom is a great event for fans and industry professionals. Visitors can explore booths with new games, meet developers, sign deals, and enjoy interactive experiences. It’s exciting to try upcoming titles and discover hidden gems. This event lets fans connect with their favorite games and see the future.

Gamescom is exciting because it showcases new games and updates. Major publishers and indie developers share their projects, giving fans a look at the future of gaming. These announcements build excitement and help players find content they enjoy. The buzz around these reveals creates a community where gamers share their thoughts and excitement on social media and with friends.

Gamescom also connects you with the past, where you can see and try out retro games, from early Pong and Space Invaders to Atari and ZX Spectrum Sinclair.

Gamescom is more than just a trade fair; it celebrates gaming culture. Fans can meet fellow gamers, discuss their favorite titles, and share experiences. This communal aspect fosters a sense of belonging and unity among attendees, reinforcing that gaming is a shared passion that transcends boundaries.

Gamescom has once again proven to be a celebration of everything we love about gaming. The energy in the halls is contagious, with fans eagerly exploring the latest games, technologies, and innovations. It's a testament to the passion that drives our community forward. For many, this event is not just about showcasing new titles; it’s about connecting with others with the same gaming enthusiasm. You can even play board games or buy merchandise of your favorite game character.

Throughout the event, it was evident how gaming plays a pivotal role in various sectors. From military applications to space exploration, organizations recognize the potential of gaming technologies to enhance training and engagement. The presence of companies like the European Space Agency and the Bundeswehr at Gamescom highlights this intersection and inspires the next generation of tech-savvy professionals.

The Bundeswehr, Germany's military, wanted to connect with younger people and promote military careers. To this end, it set up an interactive booth where soldiers shared their experiences, showcased equipment, and provided hands-on activities. This is part of a recruitment strategy aimed at tech-savvy individuals interested in military careers.

Also, Devcom, Europe's biggest conference for game developers, is held annually in Cologne before Gamescom. It started in 2017 and focuses on game development, publishing, networking, and community building. Devcom and Gamescom provide a complete view of the gaming industry, helping attendees innovate and succeed.

The Indie Developer Zone contained unique games and fresh ideas that break the usual gaming rules. Each game offers something unique, encouraging players to think outside the box and discover new experiences.

For many visitors like me, this area reminds them of why they love gaming—it's all about creativity, exploration, and finding new things.

Gamescom is an exhibition and a community space where artists and gamers unite. The friendly atmosphere among indie developers fosters excitement as they show off their work and celebrate each other's achievements, highlighting the innovative spirit of indie gaming.

Gamescom is not only about showcasing products and technologies; it's also an invaluable networking opportunity. After 22 years in this industry, it’s always rewarding to reconnect with familiar faces and forge new friendships. The event fosters an atmosphere where professionals can exchange ideas, collaborate on projects, and explore new opportunities.

Meeting old friends and new acquaintances creates a sense of community vital for the industry's growth. It reminds us that behind every game and technology are passionate individuals dedicated to pushing boundaries and creating extraordinary experiences.

I was happy to participate again in the Google Indie Games Pros meetup in Cologne. The event gathered industry mentors and experts from Google indie games initiatives to reconnect, form new relationships, and share insights. It was also an extraordinary chance to catch up with our Indie Games Accelerator alumni and Google Team from Ireland and Singapore.

Gamescom 2024 had more representation from Arabic companies, with companies like One Card, Savvy Group, NEOM, and other gaming studios and indie developers making notable progress in the gaming industry. They showcased new gaming payments and technologies, helping the industry grow in the Middle East. Their involvement highlights the global gaming movement from the Middle East and how different voices from various regions influence the industry's future.

The participation of Jordanian startups like GamerG and NeonRain highlights the innovative spirit flourishing in the region and the role Jordan always plays in feeding the MENA ecosystem with innovative and creative startups.Both startups showcase how Jordanian startups can significantly impact the global gaming scene. By leveraging their unique technologies, they enhance player experiences and build communities centered around creativity and competitiveness. Their participation at Gamescom 2024 underscores their dedication to innovation. These startups, with many from the MENA region, are positioning themselves for future growth in an increasingly competitive market by connecting with industry leaders and gaining insights into global trends.

As my time at Gamescom 2024 wraps up, I am inspired by the Indie Developer Zone. This area exemplifies what makes gaming so special—the passion, creativity, and connection between developers and players. For anyone attending in the remaining days, I highly encourage you to explore this zone and experience firsthand the incredible talent within the indie gaming community. You never know what hidden gem you might discover!

A short video from different zones at Gamescom.