Beyond the Booth: Top 11 Gamescom Parties and Side Events in 2025

Coming to Gamescom? Don't forget to secure your spot at the hottest parties and networking events during this year's conference!

Coming to Cologne for Gamescom? This major gaming event is right around the corner.

As always, the conferences will be supported by numerous parties and side events organized by different companies. This is your chance to connect and have fun with industry peers outside of the main conference. 

We’re listing the best “beyond the booth” events for you to choose from, so let’s dive in!

Heroic Labs 10-Year Anniversary Party

Heroic Labs is throwing a birthday party for their 10-year anniversary, and it’s happening at Gamescom!

The party starts at 5.30 PM, and from 7 PM there will be live music, casino tables, games and, of course, a birthday cake.

To join, you need to send a registration request from the link we added below. 

When: Tuesday 19 August, 17:30 – 23:30 CEST

Where: KölnSKY, Ottopl. 1, 50679 Köln.

Organized by: Heroic Labs

Cost: Free

Register: Here

PG Mobile Games Awards

The night before Gamescom, Pocket Gamer is organizing a mobile games awards ceremony. This event acknowledges the work of the top mobile gaming companies across many different categories, from advertising to development, LiveOps to publishing.

Want to be there for the “and the award goes to” moment? Register for a ticket. 

When: Tuesday, August 19th, 6:30 PM to 11:30 PM

Where: Gürzenich Köln

Organized by: Pocket Gamer

Cost: From £280.00

Register: Here

P.S. MAF is nominated too, in the category “Best Advertising and UA services”! You can vote for us here.

Courage Cologne

courage cologne

Courage Cologne is planned to be one of the biggest Gamescom side events, bringing together over 70 showcasers. If you want to attend this event, you can choose between three different types of tickets, so check out the options and get your tickets in time. 

When: Tuesday, August 19, 7 – 11:30 pm 

Where: HERBRAND’s ehrenfeld, Herbrandstraße 21 50825 Köln 

Organized by: Devcom

Cost: Free

Register: Here

Gamescom Launch Party

The night before the conference begins, this party will gather mobile gaming industry professionals for an evening of music, cocktails, and fun. Space is limited, so make sure to register early.

When: Tuesday, August 19th, 8 PM

Where: ROOFTOP 58, Hohenzollernring 58, 50672 Köln

Organized by: Singular, Google, Adjoe, Stash, Kohort, 2 and a Half Gamers

Cost: Free

Register: Here

Gamescom Morning Run @ Paolozzibrunnen – Wasserspielplatz

morning run event

How does a refreshing morning run on the first day of Gamescom sound to you? This probably depends on whether you’re attending some parties the day before or not 🙂

By joining this run, you get a unique chance to energize and meet others before the big day at the conference. 

When: Wednesday, August 20th, 7:30 AM to 9 AM

Where: Paolozzibrunnen – Wasserspielplatz (see the full route on Strava)

Organized by: Kohort and Newzoo

Cost: Free

Register: Here

The Compound by Stash & Geeklab

the compound

Stash & Geeklab are hosting The Compound, two unwind sessions after Gamescom. The location is secret, but it’s in a duplex in Cologne, where you can grab a drink and hang out with other gaming’s best.

Only 25 guests per night are allowed, so better hurry and reserve your spot!

When: Wednesday, August 20th and Thursday, August 21st, from 5 PM to 7 PM

Where: Location will be shared after registration

Organized by: Stash and Geeklab

Cost: Free

Register: Here

The #MarketersInGaming Meet-up

marketers in gaming

Are you a marketer in the gaming industry?

Then you can miss out on this event.

It’s a good opportunity to catch up and network with other marketing professionals across the industry.

When: Wednesday, August 20th, from 6 PM to 9 PM

Where: The Copper Pot, Bolzengasse 7, 50667 Köln

Organized by: 1minus1

Cost: Free

Register: Here

VIP Game Night by Polygon

vip game night

The Polygon team has organized an invite-only VIP Game Night during Gamescom.

It’s a great opportunity to meet top gaming executives, leading VCs, and game visionaries in a casual setting, with games, food, and drinks!

Spots are limited, and the location will only be shared with those selected to attend.

When: Wednesday, August 20th, 7:30 PM to 10 PM

Where: Location will be shared after registration

Organized by: Polygon, in collaboration with Beamable & WolvesDAO

Cost: Free

Register: Here

Maraoke LIVE!

Are you ready to deliver your best performance yet?

Maraoke is the karaoke night of Gamescom, where sing-along classics are rewritten with videogame-themed jokes.

The early bird tickets are already sold out, but you can still reserve your general admission spot.

When: Wednesday, August 20th, 7 PM to 12 AM

Where: TURISTARAMA, Mauritiussteinweg 102, Köln

Organized by: Maraoke

Cost: €18.00

Register: Here

Pocket Gamer Party Cologne

pocket gamer party

Wrapping up the busy first day of the conference, Pocket Gamer is hosting its annual Gamescom party

What to expect? Drinks, dancing, and hanging out with fellow developers, publishers, and other game industry professionals in a renowned nightclub in the city center. There is a lot of interest in this party, so make sure to get your ticket on time!

When: Wednesday, August 20th, 7:30 PM to 11:30 PM

Where: Tivoli, Hohe Straße 14 50667 Köln

Organized by: Steel Media

Cost: Free

Register: Here

See You at Gamescom

While you’re in Cologne, don’t miss out on the chance to meet with MAF’s team. Our Founder and CBO Massimo Caroli, and Senior Publisher Sales Manager, Nedas Sapalas, will be there!

If you want to explore advertising and monetization opportunities or simply connect, feel free to get in touch with us.

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