How to survive Gamescom as a trade visitor

From August 26-30, the Koelnmesse in Cologne, Germany, will host the world’s largest gaming event – Gamescom. Every year, it welcomes thousands of businesses showcasing their latest games and technologies, creating countless opportunities for partnerships. For gaming merchants, it’s a must-seize networking opportunity. If you're attending as a trade visitor, your calendar must be so packed that it's enough to make your head spin.

The goal is clear: make the absolute most of it. But how to survive the Gamescom without burning out? Read this guide to find answers.

Plan your schedule in advance

The event’s venue covers roughly 233,000 square meters. Planning your meeting schedule is crucial, as running from one end of the building to the other can eat into your precious time. Not to mention how exhausting it can be. To avoid this, follow a few simple rules:

• Book your meetings in advance. Confirming slots beforehand will help you avoid overlaps and maximise the number of meetings.

• Do not overbook yourself! Things can always go off track – someone might run late or simply get lost. Always leave a buffer between appointments.

• Group your meetings by zone. Most of your appointments will likely take place in business halls. But if you’re meeting someone in a different area, like the entertainment or indie zones, keep in mind that the building is huge and overcrowded. Structure your schedule so you don’t need to sprint from the business halls to the indie area, then rush back again for your next slot.

Download the Gamescom app

The gamescom biz app is the official platform designed specifically for trade visitors, exhibitors, and the press. This is your main tool for networking and schedule planning. Download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store. It allows you to:

• Find partners through the matchmaking feature. Gamescom biz is like Tinder, but for business purposes. You can filter your search by role (developers, publishers, investors, payment providers, or service companies), platform (PC, Console, Mobile), or game genre. Fill out your own profile, and the app’s algorithm will automatically recommend potentially valuable contacts.

• Plan your slots before the event begins. Send a meeting request to another participant by selecting a time from their available slots. Once confirmed, the appointment will automatically be displayed in the app’s calendar, along with the scheduled time and location.

• Scan entry tickets and badges. To enter the venue, you’ll need to scan your business pass, stored as a QR code in the app. To get other participants’ contact information, just scan their QR codes, and all details will be saved to your personal account.

• Check the list of activities, lectures, and presentations, add the interesting ones to your calendar and get reminders before they start.

What to pack

Prioritise your physical comfort. You’ll probably find this advice in every single Gamescom guide, and for good reason – it’s just as crucial as a solid meeting schedule. So, make sure to bring:

• Comfortable shoes like gym sneakers or hiking boots – you’ll walk a lot.

• A reusable water bottle and some snacks. You can also buy some sandwiches to go and eat whenever you’re hungry at the Köln Messe/Deutz station.

• Tech essentials: a high-capacity powerbank and a charging cable.

How to arrive

The final step of your preparatory work is to figure out how to get to Koelnmesse – the event’s venue. Don’t worry: the city is well-connected, so you can easily reach it even with public transport. If this is your choice, your stop is Köln Messe/Deutz station, located right next to the venue.

If you prefer a taxi, popular services like Bolt or Uber are good options.

According to the hall plan, the business area is set in halls 2, 3, and 4. Use the South Entrance, which leads directly to this zone, to bypass crowds and reach your sections faster.

Networking pro tips

1. You’re here to network with industry peers, so don’t miss your chance. Once you’re done with your booked meetings, gather with other participants at country booths, share your LinkedIn profile, and make new connections.

2. Don’t miss the cocktail party at the country booths on Thursday evening. It’s the main networking event where trade visitors can chat in an informal setting. Plus, it’s also an opportunity to try each country’s national delicacies!

3. Halls 2 and 4 have multiple levels. There are deckers 2.1, 2.2, 4.1 and 4.2. When scheduling a meeting, be very specific about the exact floor to avoid any confusion.

Free time: Top things to see and do in Cologne

Work is important, but we all need to unwind and recharge sometimes. Since you’re in such a beautiful, historic city like Cologne, why not enjoy it after the intense Gamescom networking? Here is what you can do in your free time:

• Explore the gothic charm of Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom). You can easily reach it from Köln Messe/Deutz station by any S-Bahn (lines S6, S11, S12, S19) or regional train (RE or RB) heading towards Köln Hbf. 

• Taste a Kölsch – Cologne’s signature light beer. Head to a traditional brewhouse like Früh am Dom or Brauhaus Sion near the cathedral.

• Take a walk across the famous Hohenzollern Bridge to the Rheinboulevard. It’s the perfect spot to sit on the steps, watch the sunset, and decompress after a busy day.

Come to see the Payop team

This year, Payop is coming to Gamescom not just as a member of the business section, but also as a sponsor of the cosplay village. If you’re attending as a trade visitor, we'd love to meet you. Whether you're looking for a new payment partner, want to explore how Pay by Bank can improve your checkout experience, or simply fancy a chat about payments, gaming, and the industry, come and find us.

See you in Cologne!