The Gamescom in Cologne is a magnet for international visitors.
Gamescom in Cologne is not just a trade fair – it is the world's largest event for computer and video games. While over 335.000 visitors and professionals from 120 countries flock here annually to celebrate the latest games, hardware, and trends, Germany itself often remains merely a side character in the global gaming industry. Although the Federal Republic is the largest consumer market in Europe, local development studios hardly benefit from this.
With an estimated revenue of 9,4 billion euros in 2024, the German gaming market is one of the most lucrative worldwide. Yet, less than 5 percent of this revenue comes from games developed in Germany. Instead, American, Japanese, and Polish titles like Call of Duty, Nintendo Switch exclusives, or The Witcher dominate the scene.
The reasons for this are multifaceted: German developers budget their projects with an average of 2 to 5 million euros – a fraction of the sums international studios allocate for blockbusters, which can reach up to 200 million US dollars. While countries like Canada or France have long offered tax incentives of 30 to 50 percent, Germany lags behind.
Cultural barriers also play a role: Historically, German development has focused on niches such as educational games or simulation genres, making access to the mass market more challenging.
Since 2009, Cologne has been the permanent home of Gamescom, which has evolved into the industry's most important trade fair. With 1.462 exhibitors (2024) and an area of 230.000 square meters, it serves as a platform for global premieres and innovation announcements. Nevertheless, the German development scene benefits only marginally. On a positive note: the federal government has allocated 88 million euros in funding and plans to introduce tax incentives following the Canadian model.
MK
