Gamescom strives to boost digital gaming culture
An increasing number of tech aficionados are being drawn to the world's largest fair for computer and video games, Gamescom, held every year in the western German city of Cologne. Here's a look at this year's event.
Colorful costumes
This year's Gamescom opened to visitors on Tuesday, August 22, and runs until Saturday, August 26. The fair is now in its ninth year and it’s expected to attract an even larger crowd this time than last year’s about 345,000 visitors. Some people attending the event have dressed up as video game characters.
Growing in size
The motto of this year's Gamescom fair in Cologne is "just play together." Over 900 exhibitors from more than 50 nations have set up shop at this year's Gamescom, which is spread across more than 200,000 square meters of space. The image shows a cosplayer in a Batman costume playing the upcoming action shooter video game Battlefront II based on the Star Wars film franchise.
VR craze
Gamescom is one of the biggest events of the year for developers of virtual reality (VR) gadgets and games. Many of them showcase their products at the fair and make playable demos available. In this picture, gamers visiting the event enjoy a virtual ride in a roller coaster, while wearing VR goggles.
More and more popular
Computer and video games have seen a significant upswing in their popularity and consumption over the past decade. Over a billion people now reportedly play these games on a regular basis. This has improved the financial fortunes of developers. The industry’s revenues are forecast to rise to $6 billion in 2018.
Globally important
Along with the fair, a number of developer conferences, congresses and events are also taking place throughout Cologne, giving networking opportunities for gaming enthusiasts. Many of the exhibitors at Gamescom come from abroad, which speaks for the international significance of the event. The image shows a man riding a model of a dragon during the opening of Gamescom.
Most beloved
A female visitor at Gamescom poses with a costumed character of Super Mario during the event. Super Mario Bros. is one of the most beloved video games ever made.
Lagging behind
Germany is the fifth-largest market for computer and video games worldwide. But it’s far behind other countries in terms of providing a favorable environment for developers. Sales of German-developed games only make up 6 percent of the total domestic market.Countries like Canada, France, England, Italy or Poland are far ahead of Germany in this respect.