Gamescom 2025, one of the world's largest trade shows for computer and video games, kicked off setting a record with 1,500 exhibitors. This highlights the industry's global reach and the growing footprint of Chinese game developers.
Co-organized by the Cologne Exhibition Center and the German Games Industry Association, the event will run until across an area of 233,000 square meters, the largest ever used for the event.
Game companies and studios from 72 countries and regions showcased new products, immersive technologies, and merchandise in areas ranging from cosplay to indie games.
This year's exhibitor lineup includes 50 Chinese exhibitors, up from fewer than 40 in 2024, according to Grace Pan, senior project manager at Koelnmesse.
Visitors take photos of a model of the game "Black Myth: Wukong" during Gamescom 2025 in Cologne, Germany, Aug. 20, 2025. Gamescom 2025, one of the world's largest trade shows for computer and video games, opened here on Wednesday with a record 1,500 exhibitors, highlighting the global reach of the industry and the growing footprint of Chinese developers.
"Chinese game developers are bringing a variety of new titles, advanced production techniques, and distinctive elements such as martial arts and Chinese mythology," Pan told Xinhua.
Pan said the profile of Chinese exhibitors at Gamescom has shifted in recent years from "quantity of participation" to "breakthroughs in quality," with more developers polishing original works with strong visuals, storytelling, and gameplay.
On the eve of the exhibition, Chinese studio Game Science unveiled its latest title, "Black Myth: Zhong Kui," at Opening Night Live. The release was met with enthusiastic acclaim from the Cologne audience and those watching the global livestream.
The developer launched "Black Myth: Wukong" on August 20 of last year. The triple-A game, inspired by the classic Chinese novel, has since become a global sensation. The story of Zhong Kui, the subtitle of the latest game, is rooted in Chinese folklore and features the legendary ghost hunter.
Gamescom 2025, one of the world's largest trade shows for computer and video games, opened here on Wednesday with a record 1,500 exhibitors, highlighting the industry's global reach and the expanding footprint of Chinese developers.
