Beyond the Booth: Top 17 Gamescom Parties and Side Events
This story originally appeared on the MAF blog.
Coming to Cologne for Devcom or Gamescom? These two major gaming events are right around the corner.
As always, the conferences will be supported by numerous parties and side events organized by different companies. This is your chance to connect and have fun with industry peers outside of the main conference.
We’re listing 17 “beyond the booth” events for you to choose from, in chronological order, so let’s dive in!
INDIE Hub Meetup
If you’re attending Devcom prior to Gamescom, you can kick off your visit with the Indie Hub Meetup. At this event, game developers will exchange thoughts on the latest trends and developments in the industry.
Don’t let the name of the event fool you — whether you’re an experienced dev, indie, or a complete newbie, you’re welcome to join. Reserve your ticket!
When: Sunday, August 18th, 5 PM
Where: Richard-Wagner-Straße 39 50674 Köln
Organized by: INDIE Hub UG
Cost: 5 EUR
Register: Here
XR Hack
XR Hack is a 3-day event sponsored by Meta. It provides a unique opportunity for developers to explore the potential of XR and AI technology.
The event is collaborative, so participants will get a chance to learn from each other, collaborate, and compete in a hackathon to earn valuable prizes. Apply to attend!
When: August 18th to August 20th, 9 AM to 7 PM
Where: Startplatz and Spatial Realities
Organized by: XR Hack
Cost: Free
Register: Here
Xsolla Game Night
Video games are great and all, but analog games simply hit differently.
Guided by this, Xsolla organized a fun night for game enthusiasts to enjoy classic games like UNO and Rock ’Em Sock ’Em Robots. Reserve your spot at this hangout and have fun with fellow game professionals!
When: Monday, August 19th, 6 PM to 10 PM
Where: Confex at Koelnmesse
Organized by: Xsolla
Cost: Free
Register: Here
PG Mobile Games Awards
The night before Gamescom, Pocket Gamer is organizing a mobile games awards ceremony. This event acknowledges the work of the top mobile gaming companies across many different categories, from advertising to development, LiveOps to publishing.
Want to be there for the “and the award goes to” moment? Register for a ticket.
When: Tuesday, August 20th, 6:30 PM to 11:30 PM
Where: Gürzenich Köln
Organized by: Pocket Gamer
Cost: From £270.00
Register: Here
European Game Night
The European Game Night is returning for its fifth edition around Gamescom. This indie game event brings together promising game studios from all over the continent, consisting of a pitching contest and open networking.
When: Tuesday, August 20th, 5 PM to 7 PM
Where: Koelnmesse GmbH, Messeplatz 1 50679 Köln
Organized by: Devcom
Cost: Free
Register: Here
XR PRO Party
Following the XR Hack event, this party will gather a number of XR innovators, creators, and enthusiasts looking to celebrate and connect. If you’re interested in joining, put your name on the waitlist.
When: Tuesday, August 20th, 7 PM to 11:30 PM
Where: STARTPLATZ, Im Mediapark 5 50670 Köln
Organized by: XR Bootcamp
Cost: Free
Register: Here
Courage Cologne
Courage Cologne is planned to be one of the biggest Gamescom side events, bringing together over 70 showcasers. If you want to attend this event, you can choose between four different types of tickets, so check out the options and get your tickets in time.
When: Tuesday, August 20th, 7 PM to 11:50 PM
Where: HERBRAND’s ehrenfeld, Herbrandstraße 21 50825 Köln
Organized by: Devcom
Cost: Free
Register: Here
Gamescom Cologne Magic Mixer
The organizers are referring to this event as the “unofficial Gamescom launch party”.
The night before the conference begins, this party will gather mobile gaming industry professionals for an evening of music, cocktails, and fun. Space is limited, so make sure to register early.
When: Tuesday, August 20th, 8 PM
Where: ROOFTOP 58, Hohenzollernring 58, 50672 Köln
Organized by: Singular, Google, Adjoe, 2 and a Half Gamers
Cost: Free
Register: Here
Gamescom Morning Run @ Rheinpark
How does a refreshing morning run on the first day of Gamescom sound to you? This probably depends on whether you’re attending some parties the day before or not 🙂
By joining this 30-minute run, you get a unique chance to energize and meet others before the big day at the conference.
When: Wednesday, August 21st, 7:15 AM to 7:45 AM
Where: The View Cologne, Kennedy-Ufer 11 50679 50679 Köln
Organized by: 1minus1
Cost: Free
Register: Here
Breakfast with WINGS
This morning event is reserved for women and other underrepresented game professionals. At this coffee and breakfast mingle, you’ll have the opportunity to chat and connect with like-minded industry peers.
The event will take place over two consecutive days, so feel free to choose whether to join on Wednesday or Thursday.
When: Wednesday, August 21st and Thursday, August 22nd, 8:30 AM
Where: Jim & June — CAFE, BAR & KITCHEN, Meister-Gerhard-Straße 35 50674 Köln
Organized by: WINGS
Cost: Free
Register: Here
Whiskey, Wine & Water Tasting at Gamescom
This intimate gathering is organized by mobile gaming companies for fellow game development professionals. It will take place in the bar that has been voted the best bar in Germany.
Tempting, right? If you wish to get in, submit your application!
When: Wednesday, August 21st, 4 PM
Where: The Grid Bar, Köln
Organized by: Deconstructor of Fun, AppsFlyer, Heroic Labs
Cost: Free
Register: Here
Gamescom Indie Developer Meetup at the Park
At this meetup, attendees will get a unique chance to connect with industry peers in a relaxed setting. Whether you’re a publisher, developer, or simply a gaming enthusiast, you’re welcome to join (as long as you get a ticket, of course).
When: Wednesday, August 21st, 5 PM to 7 PM
Where: Rheingarten Park, Frankenwerft 35 50667 Köln
Organized by: Conduit.gg
Cost: Free
Register: Here
Beam Goes Gamescom
Beam Goes Gamescom is an exclusive party for game marketers, developers, investors, and other game enthusiasts. At the event, attendees will get a chance to try out the latest games built on Beam, network, and connect with other gaming industry peers.
When: Wednesday, August 21st, 6 PM to 11:30 PM
Where: Pe 303 Rhein Location, Im Zollhafen 15–17 50678 Köln
Organized by: Beam
Cost: Free
Register: Here
Pocket Gamer Party Cologne
Wrapping up the busy first day of the conference, Pocket Gamer is hosting its annual Gamescom party.
What to expect? Drinks, dancing, and hanging out with fellow developers, publishers, and other game industry professionals in a renowned nightclub in the city center. There is a lot of interest in this party so make sure to get your ticket on time!
When: Wednesday, August 21st, 7:30 PM to 11:30 PM
Where: Tivoli, Hohe Straße 14 50667 Köln
Organized by: Steel Media
Cost: Free
Register: Here
SwissDrinks @ Gamescom
Switzerland has a strong gaming delegation, so they are organizing their own gathering. Visitors will get a chance to play Swiss games and enjoy delicious Swiss chocolate, beer, and wine, all while entertained by a DJ.
When: Thursday, August 22nd, 3 PM to 5 PM
Where: Messeplatz SwissGames Pavilion, Business Area, Hall 4.1., B030g — C040g 51063 Köln
Organized by: SwissGames
Cost: Free
Register: Here
Game Audio Get Together
Are you a game audio professional looking to connect with industry peers? This event is the perfect opportunity to network, share knowledge and resources, ask questions, and of course — have some fun. Reserve your spot!
When: Friday, August 23rd, 7:30 PM
Where: Salzgasse 2, Salzgasse 2 50667 Köln
Organized by: Flute Music
Cost: Free
Register: Here
Gayscom: LGBTQ 16+ Party
The Gayscom party at Tivoli Club promises an unforgettable night with hot beats, dancing, and a welcoming atmosphere. Visitors can expect a wide selection of drinks, free photo booths, and the best dance, pop, house, and electro music.
Want to join the rainbow fun? Choose your ticket and get it now!
When: Friday, August 23rd, from 10 PM
Where: Tivoli Club, Hohe Str. 14 50667 Köln Germany
Organized by: FestoVibe
Cost: From 16,92 EUR
Register: Here
See You at Gamescom
The MAF team is coming to Gamescom and some of the above-listed parties. If you want to explore advertising and monetization opportunities or simply connect, feel free to get in touch with us!
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