Gamescom 2025 Breaks Records with Over 1,500 Exhibitors

In a powerful testament to the video game industry’s continued growth, Gamescom 2025 has announced a new record for exhibitors, surpassing the 1,500 mark for the first time in its history. This landmark achievement solidifies the event’s position as a global powerhouse, attracting a diverse array of developers, publishers, and companies from 72 different countries. The sheer scale of this year’s convention, which runs from August 20 to 24 in Cologne, Germany, promises an unprecedented showcase of new games and interactive experiences for attendees and online viewers alike.

The record-breaking numbers signify a major increase from last year’s impressive 1,462 exhibitors and underscore the organizers’ strategic investment in expanding the event’s physical and digital footprint. The gross exhibition area has grown to 233,000 square meters, allowing for more expansive and interactive booths. The growth is not just limited to the big names; the indie area, in particular, has seen a significant expansion into Hall 10.2, providing a massive platform for smaller studios to showcase their creative projects. This focus on both AAA and independent developers ensures that there is something for every kind of gamer.

What to Expect from the Big Players

The list of confirmed exhibitors reads like a who’s who of the gaming world. Industry giants like Microsoft (Xbox), Nintendo, Capcom, Bandai Namco, and Ubisoft are all set to have a major presence. Microsoft has a particularly strong showing planned, with over 20 games slated for their booth. Gamers can expect to go hands-on with highly anticipated titles like Hollow Knight: Silksong, Ninja Gaiden 4, and The Outer Worlds 2. In a first for the public, they’ll also get a chance to try out Microsoft’s new handheld devices, the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, a collaboration with ASUS.

Nintendo’s attendance is also a major highlight, with the company showcasing some of its upcoming titles for the Switch and the newly announced Switch 2. The Pokémon Company will have a dedicated space, and fans are eager for any news on Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Meanwhile, Capcom is expected to showcase more of their upcoming horror title, Resident Evil Requiem. The sheer number of big-budget games on display, from Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater to Borderlands 4, signals that Gamescom remains a prime venue for major announcements and hands-on previews.

The Gamescom Experience: Beyond the Games

Beyond the exhibition halls, Gamescom 2025 is a multi-faceted event. The festivities kick off with the highly anticipated Gamescom Opening Night Live, hosted by Geoff Keighley on August 19. The show is expected to feature a new look at Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 and other major reveals. Other events include the Future Games Show, the Gamescom Awesome Indies showcase, and the Gamescom Award Show. For the first time, the “Gamescom City Festival” will also take place in downtown Cologne, featuring live music, food trucks, and other attractions for a broader audience.

The combination of a record number of exhibitors, a diverse lineup of games, and a rich schedule of events makes Gamescom 2025 an essential destination for anyone in the gaming industry or a fan of the medium. The event’s robust growth in both its physical and digital presence ensures that even those who can’t attend in person will be able to follow along with the latest reveals and announcements. With so many new games to discover and experiences to be had, this year’s Gamescom is poised to be an unforgettable event.