MCV/DEVELOP News, events, research and jobs from the games industry
Gamescom 2017 will be opened by none other than German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
"We consider it a great honour and a sign of recognition that Chancellor Merkel will this year participate in the opening tour of gamescom," German Trade Association of Interactive Entertainment Software MD Felix Falk said.
"The visit of Dr Merkel underlines the importance of the games industry for the cultural, digital and business location of Germany. Whether virtual reality, gamification or 3D simulations: the technologies of the games industry already play a central role in the digitalisation and networking of the economy and society. Germany needs a strong games industry in order to also secure itself a top position in the digitalised economy."
Koelnmesse president and CEO Gerald Bse added: "The participation of the Chancellor is a sign of great appreciation for us.
"With her visit she honours the development of Gamescom into one of the most successful and largest events in the German trade fair system. Gamescom is today the world’s largest event for computer and video games. She emphasises the position of Koelnmesse as one of the leading trade fair organisers worldwide in the digital media and entertainment segment."
This year, Europe’s biggest games show runs from Tuesday August 22nd (or Wednesday 23rd for members of the public) until Saturday August 26th in Cologne, Germany.
Day tickets can be purchased in the form of a code from participating Saturn outlets. A limited number of ‘pre-entry tickets’ are available for the show’s public Wednesday and Thursday sessions, giving gamers an extra hour on the show floor from 9am instead of the usual 10am entry. There is also be a reserved contingent of family tickets.
Trade visitor tickets are also available online. In addition to day tickets, 3-day tickets for trade visitors will also be available in the online Ticket Shop, giving access from Tuesday to Thursday. Valid ticket holders will also be able to use Cologne’s public transport networks VRR and VRS to arrive and depart the show free of charge.
More information and ticket price details can be found here.
