Find your community.
Build relationships. Create opportunities.
Before, during and even after gamescom dev 2026, our curated side events bring the international games industry together.
From relaxed mixers and executive gatherings to exclusive networking formats, these experiences are designed to help developers, service providers, publishers, and business leaders connect, exchange ideas, and spark new opportunities.
SUN, AUG 23
MON, AUG 24
TUE, AUG 25
All gamescom dev speakers and VIP ticket holders are invited to kick off the week together on Sunday afternoon.
Set in the historic Wolkenburg in the heart of Cologne, this relaxed gathering offers the perfect opportunity to collect your badge early, reconnect with familiar faces, and meet fellow attendees ahead of the official speaker & VIP reception beginning at 6:00 pm.
Speakers and VIP attendees arriving early are welcome to take part in a selection of curated experiences and activities across Cologne:
Join international C-level executives, renowned speakers, and industry VIPs for an exclusive evening in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
Taking place on the eve of gamescom dev 2026, the speaker & VIP reception offers a valuable opportunity to connect with industry leaders and decision-makers before the conference officially begins.
The Cologne edition of the gamescom dev leadership summit will once again be integrated into the main conference program, featuring exclusive sessions tailored to C-level professionals and senior decision-makers in the games industry.
Gain strategic insights from leading experts, exchange perspectives with peers, and build meaningful relationships with executives from across the global games business, and get a taste of the full, three-day gamescom dev leadership summit taking place in Lisbon, Portugal.
On Monday afternoon, all speakers and VIP ticket holders are invited to join our exclusive mixer in the VIP Lounge.
Enjoy drinks, continue conversations from the conference, exchange ideas with fellow professionals, and expand your network in a relaxed and informal setting.
The leadership dinner is one of gamescom dev’s most exclusive networking events, hosted at The ASH restaurant & bar in the immediate vicinity of gamescom dev conference grounds.
Bringing together decision-makers and senior executives from across the games industry, this intimate evening creates the ideal environment for high-level conversations and valuable new connections.
On Monday evening, all gamescom dev attendees are invited to unwind together at the Confex outdoor area.
Join our community for an evening of music, drinks, and relaxed networking in one of the most enjoyable and informal settings of the week.
Meet fellow CTOs and technical leaders for an exclusive networking lunch at The ASH, located directly across from the Confex entrance.
Exchange insights on technology, production, and leadership challenges while connecting with peers from across the global games industry in a relaxed setting.
VIP and Trade ticket holders are invited to a dedicated networking mixer on Tuesday afternoon.
Enjoy complimentary drinks while meeting industry professionals, exchanging ideas, and building valuable business connections with partners from across the games ecosystem.
This exclusive, invite-only side event brings together indie developers and publishers for curated networking and fast-paced pitch sessions.
Selected developers will have the opportunity to present their projects directly to publishing partners before continuing conversations during open networking.
On Tuesday evening, gamescom dev 2026 concludes with community night, leading directly into gamescom the following day.
Celebrate with the community at HERBRAND’s, one of Cologne’s most unique event locations, complete with a spacious beer garden, great music, and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Be a side event sponsor at gamescom dev!
Position your brand at the center of the international games industry by sponsoring one of the official side events at gamescom dev 2026.
From executive networking formats to large-scale community gatherings, side event sponsorships offer high-visibility opportunities to strengthen your industry presence and connect directly with key decision-makers.
Our sales team will be happy to help you find the right sponsorship package for your goals – get in touch for more details!
Roufina Guenkova
(they/them)
Head of Business Development & Global Partnerships
Iryna Ivanova
(she/her)
Business Development Manager Europe, MENA, South America
Sonia Wojciechowska
(she/her)
Business Development Manager North America, APAC
gamescom dev partner
Technical partner
2025 conference partners
Media & press partners
Event & networking partners
