The organisers of August's Gamescom started the official countdown to the inaugural event for European retail, publishers and the consumers at a special press conference in Germany today.

There are just 58 days to go until the event which runs from August 19th to 23rd in Cologne, Germany at the Koelnmesse convention centre.

Over 300 exhibitors from 25 different countries are already confirmed to attend - with over 40 per cent hailing from outside Germany, proving the potency of the event to the international stage, Koelnmesse MD Oliver Kuhrt told attendees.

"This is the ultimate show for all of Europe - there really is no other show like it," Kuhrt told MCV.

"Gamescom will present all the major players in the field of gaming."

The show already has the backing of German trade association the BIU. That means all its principal members - including the three format holders, plus the likes of EA and Activision Blizzard - are supporting the event, which famously knocked Leipzig off the industry event calendar late last year.

Leipzig became unpopular due to poorer transport links - but the Cologne trade fair group said the transition to a new base will be no only painless, but provide even higher attendance figures."

"Cologne is ready for a premiere of this size," Kuhrt added. "We are absolutely sure that when it comes to the number of visitors we have the opportunity to exceed Leipzig."

BIU boss Olaf Wolters added: "Compared with previous events this will be much better because all the market leaders are here. All the exhibitors that matter will be at Gamescom."

Koelnmesse today also revealed the full line-up of events at the show, including: GDC Europe taking place two days before the trade and consumer fair; a variety of indoor and outdoor events for consumers - with a mix of activities targetting both core gamers and casual players; a major business area which has been doubled in size due to demand; a city-wide gaming festival and promotion across Cologne; plus a new 'gamesCompetence' event to delve into the tricky issue of games content - a topic of contention in Germany.