Gamescom returns to the Koelnmesse in Cologne, Germany, for its 2023 event later this August. Gamescom is the largest gaming event in the world — per attendees and exhibition space, and the event will open for 2023 with the Opening Night Live with Geoff Keighley show on the 22nd of August.
Gamescom is a fan-favourite for videogame fans and enthusiasts, but also an important networking event for industry moguls looking to connect with like-minded people. The event’s developer conference starts on Monday the 21st, followed by the business area for media and trade visitors later in the week. The event finally opens to the public on Thursday, but Opening Night Live is the first taste of gamescom available for all fans to savour.
Geoff Keighley, the host of the opening show, explained in an interview with VGC that this year’s opening night will be more about “giving fans updates on some of the biggest games due out over the next year” instead of announcing brand new projects. Some titles already announced to feature during the Opening Night Live show include Assassin’s Creed, Crimson Desert, and the long-awaited sequel Alan Wake II.
Alan Wake is in the dark place…don’t miss the brand new reveal from @alanwake 2 live during @gamescom Opening Night Live on Tuesday, August 22.
— Geoff Keighley (@geoffkeighley) August 10, 2023
Streaming live everywhere at 8p CEST/7p BST/2p ET/11a PT at https://t.co/AFycLZGHNd pic.twitter.com/o98AcKKfsd
Not only a conference for developers and game releases, the event features many different areas to appeal to all communities within the videogame sphere: a retro area will feature over 200 ready-to-use devices over four decades of video game history, an esports event arena, a cosplay village, a social area to meet your favourite industry stars, and an indie area for passionate developers to showcase innovative ideas.
Where to watch?
The Opening Night Live with Geoff Keighley will go live at 6PM UTC (click here to find time in your own timezone) on the 22nd of August. Catch the opening act of gamescom 2023 on your preferred YouTube or Twitch broadcast.
Gamescom: YouTube & Twitch
The Game Awards: YouTube & Twitch.
Gamescom 2023 schedule
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Devcom (August 21-22): Event focused on game development and an area for industry workers to network.
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Opening Night Live (August 22): Opening show where games will be teased, gameplay revealed, and other updates given to fans.
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Business Area (August 23-25): Dedicated space for industry professionals to network and spend time together.
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Gamescom Congress (August 24): Conference for a variety of topics relating to video games, featuring guests from fields outside of the games industry, such as education, politics, and media.
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Entertainment Area (August 24-27): Area for public events and gaming communities to celebrate their love for the industry.
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Event area (August 25-27): Esports events showcasing the top talent of gamers worldwide.
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City Festival (August 25-27): Musical events and diverse cuisine feature at this festival in the heart of Cologne.