The Gamescom 2024 party guide: Where to go and when
- We've gathered a list of all the hottest happenings around Devcom and Gamescom 2024 into one place
Germany’s giant video games fair Gamescom is only one week away, and while big business will be front and centre for many, the event also offers plenty of chances to meet up, network, and party with your peers.
To help find the right events for you, PocketGamer.biz has collated all the hottest happenings around Devcom and Gamescom 2024.
Of course, we have some events of our own:
- Pocket Gamer Mobile Games Awards 2024 in association with Gamelight - The winners will be revealed at a gala VIP event on August 20th;
- The Pocket Gamer Connects Party is tradition at this point, with drinking, dancing, and networking galore - making a return on August 21st!
NOT BOOKED YOUR HOTEL YET?
Why not try our simple Hotel Finder and grab yourself a hotel near the venue.
And there are many other events taking place throughout the week…
Sunday, August 18th
Global XR Hack at Gamescom (partnering with Meta)
When: 12am August 18th - 12am August 20th
Where: Startplatz im Mediapark 5 50670 Köln Germany
How: Apply through xrhack.com
Cost: Free
More info: The premier global XR Hack Jam organised by XR Bootcamp, which partners with Meta and provides up to $100,000 in available funding.
Indie Developer Stammtisch / Indie Hub Meetup
When: 5pm - 11pm
Where: Die Wohngemeinschaft, Köln Richard-Wagner-Straße 39 50674 Köln Germany
How: Tickets on Eventbrite
Cost: Up to €5
More info: Kick off the week in Cologne with industry veterans, indie developers, and new faces!
Monday, August 19th
MeetToMatch - The Cologne Edition 2024, powered by Xsolla
When: 10am August 19th - 3pm August 23rd
Where: Koelnmesse, Messeplatz 1 50679 Köln Germany
How: Tickets on Eventbrite
Cost: From €120.75
More info: Plan meetings on-site within the Koelnmesse at booths, meeting points or pick a hotel nearby.
Backend Services House
When: 5pm - 8pm
Where: Köln Germany
How: Register online
Cost: Free
More info: Join your friends from top gaming studios for a happy hour.
Celebrating Women in Games
When: 6pm - 9pm
Where: KölnSKY - 27th Floor, Ottoplatz 1, 50679 Köln, Germany
How: Register online
Cost: Free
More info: Highlighting the accomplishments of those who have advanced opportunities for women and femme-identifying individuals in the games industry.
Diversion Meetup DDC Happy Hour: Networking & Unlimited Craft Beer
When: 6pm - 9pm
Where: Craftbeer Corner Coeln, Martinstraße 32 50667 Köln Germany
How: Tickets on Eventbrite
Cost: Free
More info: Networking with fellow gamers, developers, artists and industry professionals, plus drinks on the house.
Xsolla Game Night at devcom 2024
When: 6pm - 10pm
Where: Confex at Koelnmesse, Köln Germany
How: RSVP
Cost: Free
More info: Enjoy classic games like UNO, Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots, and many more.
Tuesday, August 20th
Stride Quest: Roam Cologne 5K
When: 7:30am - 8:30am
Where: Kreuzblume, Köln, Nordrhein-Westfalen
How: Register online
Cost: Free
More info: No agenda, no sales pitch, just a friendly jog around Cologne's beautiful streets where you can meet new industry folk and network with fellow runners.
Community Clubhouse at devcom Developer Conference 2024
When: 8am - 6:30pm
Where: Kölnmesse Confex 50679 Köln Germany
How: Tickets on Eventbrite
Cost: Free
More info: Tips and best practices shared by experts from the most successful studios, from beginner level to more advanced.
Representing Games Pitch Session
When: 12:45pm - 3pm
Where: Dorint Hotel am Heumarkt Messeplatz 1 50679 Köln Germany
How: Tickets on Eventbrite
Cost: Free
More info: Representing Games will bring its own studio clients and invitees pitching projects from all over the world.
NZ Code New Zealand x Representing Games Pitch Session
When: 3:45pm - 6pm
Where: Dorint Hotel am Heumarkt Messeplatz 1 50679 Köln Germany
How: Tickets on Eventbrite
Cost: Free
More info: Seven New Zealand studios will pitch their best and latest games looking for publishing and funding support.
Product x LiveOps Symposium, Cologne
When: 4pm onwards
Where: Kölnsky, 27th Fl, Köln Germany
How: Apply online
Cost: Free
More info: CleverTap Gaming and AWS For Games come together to deliver an immersive experience with some of the brightest minds in video games.
WN Connect Cologne'24
When: 4pm - 6pm
Where: Online and onsite at Brauhaus, Früh am Dom, Am Hof 12-18, Cologne, Germany, DE, 50667
How: Apply online
Cost: Free online; some free in-person tickets; €100 +VAT guaranteed tickets
More info: A networking gathering to see old game industry friends and make new ones!
Award Ceremony - XR Hack Cologne
When: 5pm - 6pm
Where: Startplatz im Mediapark 5 50670 Köln Germany
How: Tickets on Eventbrite
Cost: Free
More info: Witness the awards ceremony and distribution of a prize pool worth over $10,000 to local winners.
European Game Night
When: 5pm - 7pm
Where: Koelnmesse GmbH, Messeplatz 1 50679 Köln Germany
How: Tickets on Eventbrite
More info: Presenting the most promising indie video game studios from across Europe.
Pocket Gamer Mobile Game Awards in association with Gamelight
When: 6:30pm - 11:30pm
Where: Gürzenich Köln
How: Register for a ticket
Cost: £270 for a mid-term standard ticket (sale ends July 26th)
More info: This is an unmissable night featuring a three-course meal and the opportunity to celebrate the very best of the mobile games industry with some of the biggest players.
Game Dev Connect at devcom/gamescom
When: 7pm - 10pm
Where: Augustin Restaurant Cologne, Köln, Nordrhein-Westfalen
How: Register online
Cost: Free
More info: Connect, enjoy food and drinks, and explore how offerings can empower your studio.
XR Pro Gamescom Warm-up Party
When: 7pm - 11pm
Where: Startplatz im Mediapark 5 50670 Köln Germany
How: Tickets on Eventbrite
Cost: Free
More info: Take a look at the winning projects of the XR Hackathon!
Courage Cologne at devcom Developer Night
When: 7pm - 11:50pm
Where: Herbrand’s Ehrenfeld, Herbrandstraße 21 50825 Köln Germany
How: Tickets on Eventbrite
Cost: Free
More info: There’s room for 70+ showcases this year.
Wednesday, August 21st
gamescom 2024 - Morning Run @ Rheinpark
When: 7:15am - 7:45am
Where: The View Cologne, Kennedy-Ufer 11 50679 50679 Cologne Germany
How: Tickets on Eventbrite
Cost: Free
More info: Meet with others ahead of gamescom with a morning run at Rheinpark!
Breakfast with WINGS
When: 8:30am - 10am
Where: Jim & June - café, bar & kitchen, Meister-Gerhard-Straße 35 50674 Köln Germany
How: Tickets on Eventbrite
Cost: Free
More info: A breakfast networking mingle for women and gender-marginalised professionals.
Women at gamescom Breakfast & Networking
When: 8:30am - 10am
Where: Köln Germany
How: Join waitlist
Cost: Free
More info: Kickstart a busy day of meetings with a hearty breakfast and great company!
Brazilian Breakfast
When: 10am - 12pm
Where: Colônia Germany
How: Tickets on Eventbrite
Cost: Free
More info: Indulge in a feast of traditional Brazilian dishes.
Whiskey, Wine & Water
When: 4pm
Where: The Grid Bar, 62 Friesenstraße Köln, NRW 50670
How: Apply to attend
More info: Hang out with fellow game development professionals and taste some whiskey, wine or water…
Gamescom Indie Developer Meetup at the Park!
When: 5pm - 7pm
Where: Rheingarten Park, Frankenwerft 35 50667 Köln Germany
How: Tickets on Eventbrite
Cost: Free
More info: Networking for developers, publishers, and game enthusiasts.
Beam Goes Gamescom
When: 6pm - 11:30pm
Where: Pe 303 Rhein Location im Zollhafen 15-17 50678 Köln Germany
How: Tickets on Eventbrite
Cost: Free
More info: An opportunity to network with key stakeholders, game developers, venture capitalists, and industry enthusiasts.
Mobile Leaders Happy Hour
When: 6pm - 9pm
Where: QUATER1, Quatermarkt 1, 50667 Köln, Germany
How: Request an invite
More info: An open bar, delicious food, and an electrifying performance by EDM trio Paradigm.
Nordic Party
When: 7pm
Where: Alteburg, Alteburger Str. 139, Köln Germany
How: Tickets on Eventbrite
Cost: €150
More info: Open bar and buffet.
Pocket Gamer Party Cologne 2024
When: 7:30pm - 11:30 pm
Where: Tivoli Hohe Straße 14 50667 Köln Germany
How: Tickets on Eventbrite
Cost: Free
More info: Grab a drink and chill out in the company of game developers, publishers, and other industry professionals. More info here
The Mega Party 2024
When: 8pm onwards
Where: Boothaus, Auenweg 173, 51063 Köln 51063, Köln Germany
How: RSVP
More info: Terminal3’s MEGA PARTY headlined by DJ Paul van Dyk.
Thursday, August 22nd
Breakfast with WINGS
When: 8:30am - 10am
Where: Jim & June - café, bar & kitchen, Meister-Gerhard-Straße 35 50674 Köln Germany
How: Tickets on Eventbrite
Cost: Free
More info: The second day of breakfast network mingling for women and gender-marginalised professionals.
Studio Anywhere with CES & Perforce
When: 11am
Where: Deutz-Mülheimer Straße 50679 Köln Germany
How: Tickets on Eventbrite
Cost: Free
More info: Join Tencent senior director Jack Wei and Perforce VP of sales Philip O’Hara as they talk through some of the challenges seen in game development.
SwissDrinks at Gamescom
When: 2pm - 4pm
Where: Messeplatz, SwissGames Pavilion, Business Area, Hall 4.1., B030g - C040g 51063 Köln Germany
How: Tickets on Eventbrite
Cost: Free
More info: A taste of Switzerland’s beer, wine, and chocolate.
Dutch Drinks @ gamescom NL Pavilion sponsored by Engine Software
When: 5pm - 6:30pm
Where: Netherlands Pavilion, Hall 4.1 booth A021g/B030g, Koelnmesse
How: Tickets on Eventbrite
Cost: Free
More info: A networking event hosted by the Dutch Games Association in cooperation with Engine Software.
Immutable Mixer @ gamescom supported by Polygon Labs
When: 5pm - 8pm
Where: Revealed upon registration
How: Register online
Cost: Free
More info: Bringing together games industry professionals across the world for a few hours of celebration.
GameFi x StreamFi: UGC and Livestreaming for User Acquisition
When: 5pm - 8pm
Where: Revealed upon registration
How: Register online
Cost: Free
More info: Hang out and vibe with other likeminded streamers who want to grow their audience while playing games and making money.
gamescom 2024 Happy Hour @ Die Kunstbar
When: 6pm - 1am
Where: Die Kunstbar
How: Apply to attend
More info: An exclusive night of celebration at Die Kunstbar, one of Cologne's most creative and eclectic venues, cohosted by Kwalee, AppsFlyer and Digital Turbine.
Lanterns @ gamescom 2024
When: 6pm - 7pm
Where: Messeplatz 2 51063 Köln Germany
How: Tickets on Eventbrite
Cost: Free
More info: Network, discover local culture, and take home a special gift.
Estonian Reception at gamescom
When: 6pm - 10pm
Where: Little Link, Maastrichter Straße 20 50672 Köln Germany
How: Tickets on Eventbrite
Cost: Free
More info: Learn more about Estonia while enjoying a delicious dinner and cocktails.
Powering the Next Revolution in Gaming (hosted by Aethir x MetaGravity)
When: 7pm - 9pm
Where: Wartesaal am Dom, Johannisstraße 11, 50668 Köln, Germany
How: Request to join
Cost: Free
More info: An exclusive VIP event with industry leaders showcasing advancements in games technology and transforming games with seamless integration, enhanced performance, and immersive digital experiences.
Aethir x MetaGravity at gamescom: Powering the Next Revolution in Gaming
When: 7pm - 9pm
Where: Revealed upon registration
How: Request to join
More info: An exclusive event with industry leaders showcasing advancements in gaming technology.
#SupportUkraine Networking and Charity Reception
When: 7pm - 10pm
Where: Wartesaal am Dom, Köln Germany
How: Comment on LinkedIn
Cost: Free
More info: A charity auction in support of Gamedev Under Bombs, aiding the Ukrainian games industry and volunteering initiatives.
Society for Game Cinematics
When: 7pm - 10pm
Where: Fräulein Herborths Alter Markt 39 50667 Köln Germany
How: Tickets on Eventbrite
Cost: Free
More info: A casual in-person meet-up to connect, share insights, and discuss the latest trends with others working in the unique world of cinematics!
Ready Player Me Happy Hour
When: 7pm - 11pm
Where: Revealed upon registration
How: Request to join
Cost: Free
More info: Drinks, snacks, networking, and a next-gen tool demo.
Maraoke
When: 8pm - 1am
Where: Mio Club Köln, Nordrhein-Westfalen
How: Apply for tickets
Cost: €15
More info: A library of over 500 singalong songs, rewritten as jokes about video games.
Friday, August 23rd
Riftstorm & Dare Drop - Creator Party
When: 6:30pm - 11pm
Where: Red Fox Bar Klarastraße 2-4 50823 Köln Germany, Salzgasse 2 50667 Köln Germany
How: Tickets on Eventbrite
Cost: Free
More info: A night of drinks, food and networking.
Game Audio Get Together
When: 7:30pm
Where: Salzgasse 2 50667 Köln Germany
How: Tickets on Eventbrite
Cost: Free
More info: Connect with fellow professionals in the game audio industry, converse about ongoing projects, and share knowledge and resources.
Game Audio Get Together
When: 7:30pm - 10:30pm
Where: Salzgasse 2 50667 Köln Germany
How: Tickets on Eventbrite and reservation at Delirium Cafe Köln
Cost: Free
More info: Connect with fellow audio professionals in the games industry.
Gayscom® Köln 2024 - LGBTQ 16+ Party
When: 10pm
Where: Tivoli Club Hohe Str. 14 50667 Köln Germany
How: Tickets on Eventbrite
Cost: €11.68
More info: A night of dancing, hot beats, wine, beer, soft drinks and more!
Saturday, August 24th
PUBG: Hot Drop Cologne
When: 5pm - 11pm
Where: Balloni halls and Event GmbH, Ehrenfeldgürtel 96 50823 Köln Germany
How: Tickets on Eventbrite
Cost: €9 for early-bird ticket, €12 for regular ticket
More info: Connect with fellow gamers and meet the KRAFTON PUBG: Battlegrounds team.
Diversity Creator Meetup - Content Affairs
When: 7pm - 10pm
Where: Ottoplatz 7 50679 Köln Germany
How: Join waitlist
Cost: Free
More info: An exclusive meetup for streamers and creators in the games industry.
TennoVIP 2024 @ gamescom
When: 7pm - 11pm
Where: The Ash Köln MesseCity, Luise-Straus-Ernst-Straße 4 50679 Köln Germany
How: Tickets on Eventbrite
Cost: Free
More info: A buffet dinner with a selection of beer, wine and soft drinks served on the house!
Companies
