SHERIDAN, WYOMING – August 13, 2024 – gamescom congress 2024, Europe's leading conference on the potential of computer games, is poised to demonstrate that gaming extends far beyond mere entertainment. This year's congress, taking place on August 22nd in Cologne, Germany, will bring together over 100 international thought leaders to explore the social, economic, and technological possibilities that games offer for shaping our future.
A Multi-Faceted Program Addressing Critical Issues
The congress will delve into a diverse range of topics, with particular emphasis on the interplay between "Games and Artificial Intelligence" and the role of "Games and Democracy." The comprehensive program, featuring over 60 sessions, promises to engage experts from diverse fields, including culture, education, politics, science, journalism, and game development.
Felix Falk, Managing Director of game - the Association of the German Games Industry, underscores the congress' significance, stating, "With these two important and highly topical focal themes, the gamescom congress once again impressively demonstrates its topicality and relevance as well as the enormous potential of games for all areas of life."
Key Highlights
- Keynote: "The Joys of AI": Hillary Mason, co-founder of Hidden Door, will offer insights into the transformative power of AI and its impact on the gaming industry.
- Expert Panels and Presentations: The congress will feature in-depth discussions and presentations on a wide range of topics, including:
- The depiction of dystopian worlds in games and their influence on our perception of democracy
- The synergy between gaming and journalism in public service broadcasting
- The role of video game culture in fostering democratic participation
- The potential of games to inspire concrete environmental action
Political Engagement
The gamescom congress traditionally attracts top-level political figures, and this year is no exception. Confirmed participants include:
- Franziska Giffey, Senator for Economic Affairs, Energy, and Public Enterprises and Mayor of Berlin
- Michael Kellner, State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action
- Nathanael Liminski, Minister for Federal and European Affairs, International Affairs, and Media of North Rhine-Westphalia
- Fabian Mehring, Bavaria's State Minister for Digital Affairs
- Renate Nikolay, Deputy Director-General for Communications Networks, Content, and Technology
Access and Participation
- Tickets: General admission tickets are available for €103. Students and teachers can purchase discounted tickets for €38 with valid identification.
- Venue: The congress will be held at the state-of-the-art Confex conference center, located within the Koelnmesse exhibition grounds.
- Press Accreditation: Journalists can apply for press accreditation, which grants access to both gamescom and the gamescom congress.
About gamescom congress
gamescom congress is Europe's leading conference on the potential of computer games in a digital world. It serves as a platform for international dialogue and collaboration, highlighting the multifaceted impact of games across various sectors. The congress is jointly organized by Koelnmesse GmbH and game, the association of the German games industry, and is sponsored by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.