Gamescom 2025 was a phenomenal event that broke records, seeing more exhibitors and guests pop up in Cologne than ever before. Next year’s show promises to be an even more ambitious event, and in this guide, we’re breaking down the Gamescom 2026 dates, location guides, and information regarding ticket sales.
If you’re interested in heading to Germany to check out Gamescom 2026, look no further than this guide to learn everything you need to know.
Gamescom 2026 Dates Confirmed
It has been confirmed that Gamescom 2026 will take place between August 26 and 30, 2026. This is later than usual; later than ever before, in fact. It’ll be the first Gamescom since 2009 to be held that close to the end of August.
Here are the dates of previous Gamescom events:
- Gamescom 2025: 20 – 24 August
- Gamescom 2024: 20 – 24 August
- Gamescom 2023: 23 – 27 August
- Gamescom 2022: 24 – 28 August
- Gamescom 2021: 25 – 27 August
- Gamescom 2020: 25 – 29 August
- Gamescom 2019: 20 – 24 August
- Gamescom 2018: 21 – 25 August
- Gamescom 2017: 22 – 25 August
- Gamescom 2016: 17 – 21 August
This means that Gamescom 2026 will start on Wednesday and run to Sunday, which follows the same format as the 2024 Gamescom. It hasn’t been confirmed, but it’s a very safe bet that Gamescom 2026 will kick off with the Opening Night Live showcase, which draws in millions of viewers from around the world.
Gamescom 2026 Location
Gamescom 2026 will take place at the Koelnmesse complex in Cologne, Germany. This sprawling venue plays host to more than 2,000 conferences every year, and Gamescom is arguably the gem of the bunch. It’s a complete takeover that seizes control of a dozen conference halls and expands across the entire city in many ways.
Gamescom has been held at the Koelnmesse since the first iteration in 2009, which drew the attention of 245,000 visitors.
It’s worth stressing that Cologne isn’t the only location for Gamescom events, as we now have Gamescom Asia and Gamescom LATAM.
Gamescom Asia is set to take place in Bangkok, Thailand, from October 16 – 19, 2025. Gamescom LATAM will appear in São Paulo, Brazil, from April 29 to May 3, 2026.
When Do Gamescom 2026 Tickets Go on Sale?
Gamescom 2026 tickets are not on sale at present and likely won’t be for quite some time. In 2025, tickets went on sale for the August showcase in April, four months before the event took place.
It’s safe to assume that the same structure will be followed for the 2026 show.
Let me know on the Insider Gaming Discord server if you’re heading to Gamescom in 2026.
For more Insider Gaming coverage, check out all the award winners from Gamescom 2025
Grant has been gaming for 30+ years and in the industry for 10+. You'll probably find him playing a post-apocalyptic game or an extraction shooter somewhere.
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