“We Never Aimed to Be the Next E3” — A Conversation with gamescom Organizers

Summary

gamescom 2025 broke its own record with over 1,500 exhibitors from 72 countries and 230,000 square meters of exhibition space, cementing its status as the world's largest gaming event. At Opening Night Live, the grand debut of Black Myth: Zhong Kui drew thunderous cheers from the crowd, marking a powerful moment for Chinese mythology on the global stage. In a recent exclusive interview, gamescom organizers Tim Endres and Stefan Heikhaus discussed the post-E3 landscape, the rapid rise of Chinese developers, the future of indie games, and plans for 2026, including a partnership with Games Done Quick. They emphasized that gamescom never aimed to be the next E3, but rather to build its own identity. With more Chinese studios choosing gamescom for world premieres, the connection between Asian and Western markets is deepening. Indie games are seen as a vital source of energy. The organizers also revealed a stronger focus on player engagement, live streaming, and collaboration with the speedrunning community for 2026. This conversation not only reflects on gamescom's growth but also reveals the new order of the global gaming industry after E3's disappearance.