MEDIA @ gamescom 2026: Consulting, Networking, and New Ideas
From August 26 to 30, 2026, gamescom will bring together developers, publishers, and millions of fans from around the world—in Cologne and online. Creative Europe MEDIA will also be represented with a diverse program.
Companies from all over Europe will gather at the MEDIA booth. The Creative Desks will provide advice on funding opportunities. Showcases will feature new tools and professional development opportunities specifically for the games industry.
A highlight is the “Meet Your Neighbors” networking event organized by the Creative Europe Desks. Around 40 developers and publishers from 15 European countries will exchange ideas on topics such as financing, marketing, and international collaborations. From North Rhine-Westphalia, DropC Gamestudio, Fantastic Foe, minty mode, Slow Bros., Spielfabrique, Spoondrift Games, and the Good Evil are participating.
At the “Welcome to NRW” booth, the MEDIA-funded VR game “The Amusement” will be featured in a case study. The Indie Arena Booth will also showcase numerous new titles from independent studios, including several MEDIA-funded games.
Details on the events at the MEDIA booth and further information are provided below.
Highlights at the Creative Europe MEDIA Booth
Hall 3.2, D050G–F051G, Business Area, badge required.
Consultations: MEDIA Funding
Wednesday, August 26, through Friday, August 28
Grants of up to 200,000 euros for narrative games and interactive projects: The new call for proposals, “Video Games and Immersive Content Development,” will be published this fall. European developers and production companies are eligible to apply.
The Creative Europe Desks will be available for consultation at the following times:
- Wednesday, August 26: 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. and 2:00–4:00 p.m.
- Thursday, August 27: 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. and 2:00–4:00 p.m.
- Friday, August 28: 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
European Networking: Meet Your Neighbors!
Wednesday, August 26, 10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
European developers and publishers of narrative games will gather to network and exchange experiences. The focus will be on topics such as publishing and marketing, international collaborations, IP development, and financing.
Participation by invitation only.
Meet Your Neighbors @ gamescom is organized by the Creative Europe Desk NRW in collaboration with the Creative Europe Desks from Belgium (Flanders and Wallonia-Brussels), the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany (Hamburg), Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Poland.
Showcases + Happy Hours
New tools and professional development opportunities for the games industry will be presented at the booth.
Wednesday, August 26, 4:30–5:30 p.m.
- TRACKS: Marketing analytics platform for PC and console games
- MUSIC: AI-based platform for adaptive music
Thursday, August 27, 4:00–5:00 p.m.
- BLUEBOTTLE: Technology for esports broadcasts and marketing
- GAMESKILLS: Continuing education program for professionals in the gaming industry
A happy hour will follow each session.
No registration required.
Case Study at the Welcome to NRW booth
Hall 4.1, A061–B070, Business Area, badge required.
The Amusement – A German-French VR Co-Production
Thursday, August 27, 12:15–12:45 p.m.
In cooperation with the Institut français and Creative Europe Desk NRW, the Film- und Medienstiftung NRW presents the MEDIA-funded VR game “The Amusement” by Curvature Games and ARTE France. The game takes players to an abandoned 1920s amusement park and combines family history, puzzles, and immersive storytelling.
Indie Arena Booth
Hall 10.2, Indie Area
At the fair’s largest joint booth, 196 developers from 41 countries will showcase their latest games. Among the MEDIA-funded titles is the survival-climbinggame “Cairn” from the French studio The Game Bakers. Sharkbomb Studios from Germany is presenting the card brawler“Crownbreakers,” while the Polish development studio Pixelated Milk is showcasing its RPG “SacriFire.” From Spain come the magical adventure“Angie Magica” by Mango Protocol and the roguelite“Wilderings: The Lost Spring” by Herobeat Studios.
Panel Discussion: Games in Europe
Gamescom Congress, Confex Thursday, August 27, 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Playing by Smart Rules: How Europe Can Support Artistic Freedom, Consumers, and Strengthen Competitiveness
What policy measures, investments, and industry strategies are needed to ensure that Europe remains competitive in the global market?
Panelists: Renate Nikolay (DG CNECT, European Commission), Axel Voss (MEP), Clemens Mayer-Wegelin (Nintendo of Europe SE), Hendrik Lesser (remote control productions GmbH). Moderator: Ann Becker (Video Games Europe).