Your Starter Pack for gamescom + devcom 2025: What to Know Before You Go

Headed to gamescom or devcom? Here’s your ultimate starter pack.

From big reveals at Opening Night Live 2025 (gamescom ONL) to career-changing coffee chats at devcom, these back-to-back events make up the most exciting week in European gaming. Together, they represent a rare moment where game creators, publishers, fans, and platforms all converge to shape what’s next for the industry. This post covers everything you need to prepare — from the most anticipated game releases at gamescom 2025 to where to meet your next partner. Whether you’re attending as a developer, publisher, content creator, or industry pro, this is your ultimate starter pack.

Off Base will be on-site at both devcom and gamescom this year — and we’re hosting a roundtable with Greg Off and Catherine Park on what publishers want from partners in 2025 and how to stand out at global shows (check out the event!). We’re excited to connect with other attendees, swap ideas, and share what we’re seeing on the ground. Drop us a note to link-up while we’re onsite!

Event Overview

gamescom is the world’s largest gaming expo — a global stage for the most anticipated games at gamescom 2025, surprise reveals, and major brand activations. It’s where fans, creators, and press come together to experience the year’s biggest demos and announcements firsthand. From upcoming games announced at gamescom to headline moments during Opening Night Live 2025, it’s one of the most-watched weeks in the industry.

Running just before, devcom offers a more curated experience for developers, publishers, and industry pros. With over 350 sessions, networking mixers, and business matchmaking, it’s where the groundwork is laid for the next wave of innovation — while the most important gamescom announcements dominate the public stage days later.

Anticipated Game Releases at gamescom

Each year, gamescom sets the stage for the gaming industry’s biggest reveals — and 2025 is no exception. From world premieres to deep dives on long-awaited titles, this year’s lineup is shaping up to deliver some of the most anticipated game releases at gamescom 2025.

Major World Premiers

• Call of Duty: Black Ops 7
  • The world premiere teaser debuts live during Opening Night Live 2025, marking the most high-profile reveal of the event.
• World of Warcraft: Midnight (Expansion)
  • One of the show’s centerpiece announcements. Blizzard is showcasing the expansion’s new player housing system, story content, cinematic trailer, hands-on demos, and fan activations.
• Silent Hill f
  • A new atmospheric cinematic trailer premieres, expanding the eerie world of Silent Hill — no gameplay demo yet.
• The Blood of Dawnwalker
  • Newly revealed IP from Bandai Namco, with hands-on demos at the booth.
• Yu-Gi-Oh! Early Days Collection
  • New trailer and tournament-ready demos featured in Konami’s booth experience.
• Little Nightmares III
  • Announcement and hands-on demo, plus a themed installation at Bandai Namco’s booth.
• Resident Evil: Requiem
  • First hands-on demo of the new title from Capcom.

Playable Demos on the Show Floor

• Hollow Knight: Silksong (Xbox booth)
• Ninja Gaiden 4
• Fable (2025)
• Borderlands 4
• DOOM: The Dark Ages
• Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater (Konami)

Publisher Highlights

• Konami
  • Dedicated booths and demos for Metal Gear Solid Δ, Silent Hill f, and Yu-Gi-Oh! with new trailers and immersive setups.
• Blizzard
  • Full experience built around WoW: Midnight, including hands-on time and community activations.

Ongoing Updates All Week

• Follow-up trailers for breakout titles from earlier 2025 showcases
• Updates and new content drops from titles announced during gamescom itself

Whether you’re tuning in for Opening Night Live 2025, walking the floor for demos, or following coverage remotely, this year’s anticipated game releases at gamescom offer a bit of everything — AAA titles, indie gems, and deep nostalgia.

What Happens on gamescom Opening Night Live

Opening Night Live 2025 is where Geoff Keighley kicks things off with a blockbuster showcase featuring some of the most important gamescom announcements of the year.

• Date & Time: August 19, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. CEST (11:00 a.m. PDT / 2:00 p.m. EDT)
• Location: Koelnmesse, Cologne, Hall 1 (available for streaming globally)

Expect new trailers, celebrity cameos, and a ton of social chatter. Can’t attend in person? Watch the stream live and follow the hashtag #ONL2025 for real-time reactions.

Who Is Going to Be at gamescom 2025

The full exhibitor list hasn’t been finalized but confirmed big exhibitors include Microsoft (Xbox), Nintendo, Bandai Namco, Ubisoft, Capcom, Konami, and Netflix.

As of now, the following major companies are confirmed for gamescom 2025:

• Microsoft (Xbox)
• Nintendo
• Ubisoft
• Bandai Namco
• Capcom
• Konami
• Netflix (Games)

In addition to the major publishers, the show will include:

• A large presence from indie developers via the Indie Arena Booth and Home of Indies
• Regional showcases, including gamescom Latam
• A dedicated pavilion and programming with Thailand, the official partner country for gamescom 2025

Pro tip: Check the gamescom exhibitor page closer to the show to plan your path.

What’s devcom?

devcom runs August 17–19 and focuses on the developer community. 

Think: technical talks, panel discussions, and genuine networking — with fewer costumes and crowds.

Notable events:

• Pitch It! Business Matchmaking
• devcom Developer Night
• Indie Showcase and Career Day

devcom 2025 will host over 210 speakers and 350 sessions focusing on interactive formats and workshops with an expanded number of roundtables.

Notable speakers include prominent industry figures from Electronic Arts, MachineGames, and creators like Minh Le (Inventor of Counter-Strike).

More at devcom side events

How to Get There & Get Around

• By Air: The closest airport to the event is Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN), approximately 14 km (9 miles) from Koelnmesse, the event venue.
• By Train: The fastest, most convenient option is to take the Deutsche Bahn train from Cologne Bonn Airport station (Flughafen Köln/Bonn Bf) directly to Köln Messe/Deutz station. Trains run every 20 minutes and the journey takes about 9 to 13 minutes. Tickets cost between €4 and €10.
• By Bus: There are direct bus services available from the airport to Köln Messe/Deutz station with a journey time of about 23 minutes, and tickets cost around €4–€6.
• Taxi and Private Transfers: Taxis take approximately 13–14 minutes and cost between €35 and €45. Private transfers can be booked for a fixed price for door-to-door convenience.
• Local Transit: Once at Koelnmesse, the best way to get around is by using Cologne’s efficient public transit system. Purchase a multi-day KVB (Cologne Transport Authority) pass for unlimited travel on trams and buses. Most gamescom 2025 badges include free public transit access within Cologne during the event days, so check your badge details.

What to Pack

• EU power adapters to charge your devices.
• Portable battery packs for on-the-go charging.
• Business cards or digital QR-code equivalents for networking.
• Your gamescom or devcom event badge or e-confirmation.
• Comfortable walking shoes — Koelnmesse is a large venue.
• Light layers for Cologne’s warm summer weather.
• A small backpack or tote for carrying giveaways, swag, and materials.

How to Network Like a Pro

• Download the gamescom and devcom apps for updates + messaging
• Join WhatsApp or Discord groups ahead of time
• Don’t overbook — allow time for spontaneous meetups
• After-hours events like Happy Hour devcom or gamescom’s beer gardens are great for casual convos

See You In Cologne

We can’t wait for an incredible week at devcom and gamescom 2025 — from the big reveals to the late-night conversations that spark new ideas. Off Base will be right in the middle of it all, and we’d love to meet up with others while we’re there.

Want to connect with us? DM Bella Flowers on LinkedIn, or reach out via our contact form.

Helpful Resources

• Official gamescom 2025 website — Main portal for event info, programs, tickets, visitors info, and news.
• gamescom 2025 Opening Times — Details on the event schedule and daily opening hours.
• gamescom Awards Info — Information about the awards presented at gamescom.
• gamescom 2025 Program and Opening Night Live — Official event program and opening night live stream details.
• Visitor Information — Important details for attendees, including tickets and visitor guidelines.
• Buy Tickets — Official ticket purchasing page for gamescom 2025.
• Xbox at gamescom 2025 Details — Xbox’s official info and plans for gamescom 2025, with game showcases and broadcasts.
• Gundam Card Game @ gamescom 2025 — Official site for Gundam Card Game activities and details at gamescom 2025.