Greetings Koelnmesse 2021

Dear gamescom congress participants,

This year too, the gamescom congress will provide an exciting look into the future with discussions on how games affect society and what this means for our future. Now, almost one and a half years into the coronavirus pandemic, the incredible potential of games, their technologies and approaches is more evident than ever – even for many skeptics. Computer and video games have played a major role in helping millions of people cope with the pandemic and its effects. They have allowed us to stay in touch with family and friends and also have fun despite “physical distancing.” However, games do not just have an impact as an entertainment medium. Today, they are used in businesses, schools, retirement homes, museums and even memorial sites. We experience concerts, election campaigns and church services within games. The possibilities are virtually endless.

This is precisely the development that will be in the spotlight this year with gamescom’s central theme,“Games: The New Normal.” It is no longer a question of whether we should use the potential of games, but rather how best to do it. It is important that we as a society make much better use of this great potential in the future. There is also no way around it because the post-pandemic world will be much more digital and networked than ever before. This is where games can highlight their strengths – not only as an entertainment medium, but also with the key challenges facing society today, whether it is climate change, the digitalization of our education or technological innovations such as artificial intelligence. There are so many areas where games can provide important impetus. Let’s discuss it and even fight about it creatively. On that note, I am really looking forward to our election campaign arena, the Debatt(l)e Royale with the federal managing directors and general secretaries of the parties, which will conclude the gamescom congress. But before that, many other exciting program events await you.

I wish us all an insightful and inspiring gamescom congress!

Yours, Felix Falk

Managing Director game – the German Games Industry Association