A host of names have stepped up to back next year's Gamescom event.

The city of Cologne and its Mayor plus the G.A.M.E. trade association have joined the likes of Nintendo, EA, Sega, Microsoft, Sony and the other members of German trade group BIU to support to support the new trade show.

The BIU and event holder Koelnmesse is now forming an advisory committee, which includes all

Other games firms from Germany are also backing the even with Tim Jöllenbeck from Speed Link, Bernd Grannemann from Tivola Publishing and Uwe Semtner of AMD joining the board too.

A member of the G.A.M.E association still to be named will also help to organise gamescom, joining Frank Sliwka, who is also organising the developer conference at gamescom, and Helmut Blömeke from the city of Cologne to round out the new committee.

Cologne's Lord Mayor, Fritz Schramma, commented: "I'm very happy that the city is represented on the advisory board for gamescom. All of Cologne is excited about the new trade fair, and we want to play a considerable part in presenting Cologne as a cultural and event metropolis to the international exhibitors and visitors beyond the trade fair happenings. Koelnmesse and the city, gamescom and the supporting programme will offer an impressive overall experience."

"The advisory committee is made up of people from the industry for the industry," said Oliver P. Kuhrt, CEO of Koelnmesse GmbH.

"The great deal of interest shown by the industry is yet another positive sign for gamescom 2009."

Tim Jöllenbeck, CEO of Speed Link added: "Actively supporting gamescom is a very interesting assignment because the trade fair will undoubtedly be the industry highlight for the European games industry. For that reason, we are pleased to be part of the advisory committee."