Gamescom 2025 once again proved why it remains the heart of the global games industry, bringing together creators, publishers, and innovators under one roof in Cologne.
Here’s our Gamescom 2025 recap, highlighting how leading industry voices shaped the conversation with diverse perspectives. Special thanks to Adrien Bacchi, Adam Smart, Rana Rahman, and Çağlar Eğer for sharing insights that captured the spirit of this year’s event.
A Sign of a More Mature Industry
Gamescom was, as always, an incredible gathering of global industry professionals. While it felt like overall attendance might have been slightly lower than previous years, the energy was different—in a good way. There was a noticeable sense of optimism returning to the industry. With improved cash flow and renewed interest in acquisitions, it’s clear the market is maturing and stabilizing.
One of the most encouraging signs was seeing more countries actively investing in their gaming sectors, many even bringing government officials to the event. This shift suggests that public funding and national support may become a larger part of the ecosystem. Considering projections that GTA 6 could generate revenue comparable to the GDP of some countries, this growing interest from governments makes perfect sense.
Turkiye, unfortunately, did not have a pavilion this year. Several people asked about it, and I noticed a smaller Turkish presence overall compared to last year. Of course, it’s possible I didn’t catch everyone, but I hope to see a strong, unified Turkiye presence at Gamescom 2026.
Batuhan Avucan, Founder, Mobidictum
“Gamescom was as stunning, chaotic, and loud as ever. Neon displays, smoke effects, and the usual flood of product announcements created a wall of noise. Across the halls and social feeds, most B2B tech vendors focused on broadcasting features rather than sharing ideas. True thought leadership was noticeably absent.
In the race for visibility, bigger budgets dominated, but only achieved short-lived attention. The real opportunity for B2B tech vendors is to differentiate through authority: to teach the market something genuinely new, and to provide proof that builds confidence and trust.
Those who invest in this approach will find that credibility compounds. The brands that show up with ideas, evidence, and consistency will earn not just short-term leads, but long-term leadership.”
Rana Rahman, CEO & Founder, Raptor PR
Check out our interview with Rana Rahman here.
I’ve been visiting Gamescom since 2013, and it’s still one of my favorite events of the year. This time it was great to see VCs returning to gaming and a strong push from the MENA region. On the marketing side, the hot topic everywhere remains rewarded UA—and not just because I might be a little biased
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Already looking forward to connecting with even more peers and seeing where the industry goes at Gamescom 2026!
Çağlar Eğer, CEO, Exmox
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Related News: Exmox CEO Çağlar Eğer joins Transform Gaming as Investor and Board Member
“I spent 10 days around Cologne for Devcom & Gamescom and it’s been my best b2b experience ever. Felt like the industry is ready to face and defeat its challenges. Felt the highest optimism since 2023, and this time it was grounded in realism and pragmatism. Had high level meetings from morning to night with exciting upbeat pros… looking forward to the future with a smile!”
Adrien Bacchi, CEO, ChibiPhoenix
Check out our interview with Adrien Bacchi about gaming, transmedia, and the art of standing out here.
Gamescom 2025 was a resounding success. Bigger, more international, and more influential than ever. Yet, it also served as a mirror of reality. Despite record-breaking attendance and dazzling premieres, the industry must face the hard questions of funding, monetization, and Europe’s role in the global market.
Yet, if creativity, fair business models, and reliable structures can be brought together, Gamescom will not only remain the West’s flagship gaming event but also the place where the future of global gaming continues to be defined.
Adam Smart, Global Director of Product Gaming, AppsFlyer
You can read Adam’s in-depth thoughts about Gamescom here.
