When Italian perfumier Giovanni Maria Farina dedicated his latest fragrance to his new hometown back in 1708, the Eau de Cologne in question probably bore very little resemblance to the distinctive scent that will shortly be filling the venerable halls of the Koelnmesse. Then again, 'Eau de stressed businessmen and a thousand sweaty gamers (with just a hint of bratwurst)' probably wouldn't have caught on.If you're keen to limit that particular stench in favour of the sweet smell of networking success at this year's GDC/Gamescom double-header, then you should definitely point your nose downward and peruse Showdog's guide to the best (and the rest) networking events of Europe's premier gaming festival.
Suffice to say, many of the parties below are strictly invite-only so if you don't think you'll get in, don't turn up!Monday (15th August)What?: Crytek GDC NightWhen?: 8:00 pm til late(ish)
Where?: Rheinterrassen, Rheinparkweg 1, 50679 Cologne
How?: Entry with GDC pass
Any more details?: Free booze but probably not food at this first night loosener with a broad mixture of attendees. Tuesday (16th August)What?: The Pocket Gamer Party (in association with Papaya and SuperRewards)
When?: 18:30pm til late
Where?: Die Kunstbar, chargesheimerplatz 1, Cologne
How?: By invitation only - if you've not got one yet, mail invitations@pocketgamer.co.uk to get on the waiting list.
Any more details?: Simply the best party for the mobile games community - it'll be awesome natch! Free drinks and food plus a love-lock for the first 150 to arrive!What?: GDC Mobile Smartphone & Tablet Mixer (in association with Glu)
When?: 18:30-19:30 pm
Where?: Congress-Centrum OST Koelnmesse, Expo Floor
How?: Turn up with your GDC badge after the conference
Any more details?: A quick sharpener post-conference before heading off for your evening's entertainment proper.What?: The GDC Indie Party
When?: 9PM til late
Where?: Diamonds Club, Hohenzollernring 90, 50672 Cologne
How?: Turn up with your GDC badge
Any more details?: The clubbiest of the parties on offer, could be a good way to close out the evening, but don't get there too early.What?: GameConnection Networking MeetUp
When?: 18:30 to 22:30
How?: Seems to be free Register via Linked-In page
Any more details?: Not sure what's on offer in terms of booze and food, but it seems to be open to all so if you can't get in elsewhere this is a good catch-all.What?: SCEE Conference
When?: 17:30-23:30
Where?: Gurzenich Köln, Martinstraße 6, 50667 Cologne, Germany
How?: Very strict invite only which is taken very seriously (at least until the last 10 minutes before conference starts)
Any more details?: If previous years are anything to go by, there'll be a lot of queueing, the press conference will run about an hour late and be largely underwhelming. There will be beer though and fancy canapes too. Wednesday 17th AugustWhat?: Nokia/Microsoft Party
When?: 18:00 till late
Where?: Open-Air Beach Club "Sandburg"
How?: Invite only - not sure how tightly this'll be policed though.
Any more details?: Pretty thin on the ground even with an invite. Essentially this is the WP7 party I think so more relevant for mobilers than the other one. There's talk of jetty's and boats which might make it harder for crashers, although possibly easier for software pirates? (see what I did there).What?: The other Microsoft (Xbox) party
When?: 18:00 til late
Where?: TBC
How?: Very strict invite only
Any more details?: Should be fun if you can get in, the usual splash of senior execs and big-name DJs you'll pretend to have heard of.More parties to come, watch this space...If you know of any more parties on the b2b circuit or simply want to share some after hours gossip then please do drop Showdog a mail (showdog(at)pocketgamer.co.uk), he'll be scratching around all week.N.B. The usual disclaimers apply and Showdog accepts no liability for any beer-fuelled illness, deal-breaking drunken behaviour, or long-term relationship damage caused as a result of this information, but if you do snag the big deal, the usual 10% will be fine.
