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.
FastSpring, the payments platform behind D2C web stores for game publishers worldwide, invites all gamescom dev attendees to join us for an informal beer reception on Monday afternoon.
Connect with the people you’ve been meaning to catch up with over cold drinks in a relaxed setting. No agenda, just good company and great beer. See you there!
The gamescom dev awards ceremony will take place on Monday afternoon!
In 4 categories, we will honor the best titles from the gamescom dev indie expo. Additionally, we will recognise outstanding individuals and teams, selected and voted for by our speakers, who will be celebrated for their work and achievements in the gaming industry in two more award categories.
The gamescom dev speaker & VIP mixer is powered by
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 gamescom dev leadership dinner is powered by
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.
The gamescom dev CTO lunch is powered by
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.
The gamescom dev pitch it! mixer is powered by
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.
Meet Amber, a global game development company and network of specialized studios, over a local Kölsch at gamescom dev 2026.
Join us on Tuesday for an informal reception and conversations about the production, technology and creative challenges shaping what comes next in games.
Mingle and get inspired by 50+ developers, showcasing their latest project. Stroll around with a drink in hand, and a night full of games, chats, and good vibes.
There is one rule: Play a game and get a drink.
On Tuesday evening, gamescom dev 2026 concludes with our community night, leading directly into gamescom the following day.
Celebrate with the our attendees 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
2026 conference partners
Media & press partners
Event & networking partners
