Gamescom, the world’s biggest gaming event, is starting in just a few weeks.
And you know what this means – it’s time to secure your spot at the hottest parties and side events! Organized by different companies, these events open doors to amazing networking opportunities outside the official event.
Dive into our extensive list of “beyond the booth” events and pick out your favorites!
ZEBEDEE x adjoe IRL: Gamescom Warmup
Arriving in Cologne a day before Gamescom?
Get ready for an exciting pre-conference warmup.
This invite-only event will bring together people from leading gaming companies looking for a night of fun and relaxation. No programming talk, no predetermined topics – just socializing and good times!
When: Tuesday, August 22nd, 2023
Where: Wartesaal am Dom, Johannisstraße 11, Cologne
Organized by: ZEBEDEE, adjoe
Cost: Free
Register: Here
Courage Cologne
If you’re more interested to talk business instead of just hanging out, here’s another option.
Courage Cologne is an annual game showcase that brings together indie game devs and other game industry professionals. This year, the event will be bigger and more exciting than ever before. The organizers have now joined forces with Devcom, making room for 40+ showcasers.
If you already have tickets for Devcom, you’re free to join the event without registering. Generally, the tickets are free for everyone, and you can choose between four types of tickets, each of which grants access to a different time slot.
When: Tuesday, August 22nd, 7 PM – 11:50 PM
Where: Bootshaus Auenweg 173 51063, Cologne
Organized by: Devcom
Cost: Free
Register: Here
Community Clubhouse
Want to use the day before Gamescom in the most productive way possible?
Participate in this all-day event.
The doors of the Community Clubhouse event will open early in the morning, kicking things off with a networking breakfast. The agenda will consist of multiple panels, keynote speeches, and roundtables on important gaming topics, as well as a lunch break.
Once the final roundtable finishes, it’s time to – party, of course. The cocktail party will take place on Microsoft’s rooftop terrace and we think it sounds like a blast!
When: Tuesday, August 22nd, 8:30 AM – 7 PM
Where: Microsoft Germany GmbH Holzmarkt 2 50676, Cologne
Organized by: XBOX, Keyword Studios, Helpshift, Twohat, Affogata, ODIN
Cost: Free
Register: Here
PROßT! Publishers and Developers Happy Hour
Looking to grab a couple of beers and say Proßt with fellow publishers, developers, and other gaming enthusiasts?
Look no further – this is the place to be!
Whether you’re an experienced gaming professional or just getting started in the games industry, this happy hour is a great chance to network with like-minded people.
When: Wednesday August 23rd, 4 PM to 8 PM
Where: Peters Brauhaus, Mühlengasse 1 50667, Cologne
Organized by: Conduit
Cost: Free
Register: Here
Metaverse Mixer: Gamescom Edition
After a great turnout last year, the Metaverse Mixer is coming back to Cologne.
Just like its name suggests, this event is focused on the thrilling world of blockchain gaming, NFTs, play-to-earn, and all things metaverse. This is your chance to get insights from the top blockchain experts, chat over some drinks, and share experiences.
Free tickets are up for grabs so get yours now!
When: Wednesday, August 23rd, 6 PM to 10 PM
Where: Hyatt Regency Cologne Hotel Kennedy-Ufer 2A 50679, Cologne
Organized by: Steel Media, ZEBEDEE
Cost: Free
Register: Here
GameMaker Meetup August
GameMaker traditionally organizes meetups around major conferences, and Gamescom is no exception.
This event will bring together various game industry professionals for an evening of exciting gaming insights and networking. Additionally, the organizers have generously arranged complimentary drinks and refreshments for all attendees.
When: Wednesday, August 23rd, 8PM – 11 PM
Where: Wartesaal am Dom, Johannisstraße 11, Cologne
Organized by: GameMaker
Cost: Free
Register: Here
Online Titans Night Vanity
You’d like to blow off some steam after the first day of the conference?
You’re in luck because ONLINETITANS is throwing a big party for all digital professionals, giving you a chance to party and network at the same time. Expect a fun atmosphere, the finest music, and some badass moves on the dance floor.
Note: this event comes with a price tag, but it still has an Early Bird discount, so act quickly to secure your ticket!
When: Wednesday, August 23rd, 9 PM – 4 AM
Where: Vanity Club Cologne Hohenzollernring 16 50672, Cologne
Organized by: ONLINETITANS
Cost: From €24.99
Register: Here
Five O’Clock Club Happy Hour
Mobile gaming enthusiasts, we have some great news for you. Five O’Clock Club, a famous industry event organizer, is branching out internationally with a networking party at Gamescom.
Making its debut in Europe, the organizers have prepared a fun happy hour that will gather 100+ game publishers and marketers.
Note that this event is invite-only so better hurry up and request your ticket!
When: Thursday, August 24th, 5 PM
Where: Quater 1 Alm Lounge, Die Gipfelbar, Quatermarkt 1, 50667 Cologne
Organized by: Five O’Clock Club, InMobi
Cost: Free
Register: Here
Women’s Breakfast with WINGS
Women and other underrepresented professionals in the games industry, this one’s for you!
Mark your calendar for a breakfast networking event near Gamescom (the exact location is yet to be announced). Space is limited so make sure to register early and stay updated about the event.
When: Thursday, August 24th, 8:30 AM – 10 AM
Where: TBA
Organized by: WINGS
Cost: Free
Register: Here
Dutch Drinks @ Gamescom NL Pavilion
Want to grab some drinks with the crème de la crème of the Dutch game industry? Join this event that will gather professionals from 20+ Dutch gaming companies.
This is your chance to get a sneak peek into the latest trends, creativity, and cutting-edge technology driving the Netherlands’ gaming landscape.
Note: to join this event, you’ll need a valid Gamescom trade ticket and a reservation.
When: Thursday, August 24th, 4 PM – 5:30 PM
Where: Netherlands Pavilion, Hall 4.1 booth A021g/B030g, Koelnmesse Messeplatz 1 50679, Cologne
Organized by: Dutch Games Association
Cost: Free
Register: Here
Gamescom B2B Party
The second night of the conference is reserved for Gamescom’s official afterparty.
Every year, this party is one of the highlights of Gamescom, and this year will be no different.
It will take place in a beautiful setting along the Rhine River, and there’s no need to worry about transportation. The organizers will provide a shuttle service to take visitors back and forth from the party from 7 PM until 3 AM.
When: Thursday, August 24th, 8 PM
Where: Theater am Tanzbrunnen, Rheinterassen, Rheinparkweg 150679, 50679, Cologne
Organized by: Gamescom
Cost: Free
Register: Here
Funcom Community Hangout
Funcom, a renowned game studio, is organizing a community hangout during Gamescom.
At the event, you’ll get the chance to meet the Funcom team, enjoy special drinks and snacks, and receive surprise-filled goodie bags. And of course, meet fellow gaming enthusiasts.
If you want to join, reserve your spot early because space is limited!
When: Friday, August 25th, 6 PM – 11 PM
Where: Café de Paris Cologne Benesisstraße 61 50672, Cologne
Organized by: Funcom
Cost: Free
Register: Here
Game Audio Get Together
Are you an audio professional attending Gamescom?
Don’t miss out on the chance to network with your industry peers. It doesn’t matter if you’re an experienced audio professional or just starting out – everyone is welcome. This event is the perfect place to connect, ask questions, and share experiences.
When: Friday, August 25th, 7:30 PM
Where: Salzgasse 2 Salzgasse 2 50667 Köln Germany
Organized by: Flutu Game Audio
Cost: Free
Register: Here
Gayscom: LGBTQ 16+ Party
The name says it all – the Gayscom party is all about some rainbow-infused fun.
The night promises to be an explosion of hot beats, wild dancing, and a whole lot of LGBTQ+ love. To keep the good times flowing, the bar will offer a wide selection of cocktails, wines, beers, and refreshing soft drinks. Oh, and don’t forget to strike your best pose at the free photo booths!
Get your ticket while they are discounted!
When: Friday, August 25th, 9 PM
Where: Tivoli Club Hohe Str. 14 50667 Cologne Germany
Organized by: FestoVibe
Cost: From 10,77 €
Register: Here
Cologne Community MeetUp, Powered by Twitch
The final Gamescom side event on our list will take place on Saturday evening.
Organized by Twitch, this meetup will gather everyone who shares the passion for content creation and streaming. Whether you’re a streamer, moderator, or just a viewer, you’re free to join.
At the event, you can expect some live streams, games, prizes, and drinks. But before you show up, don’t forget to RSVP.
When: Friday, August 25th, 9 PM
Where: Tivoli Club Hohe Str. 14 50667 Cologne Germany
Organized by: FestoVibe
Cost: Free
Register: Here
Meet Us at Gamescom
We’re also headed to Gamescom, and you can catch us at our booth in the Italian Pavilion or mingle with us at the parties!
Meet up with MAF’s awesome Gamescom squad – CCO Alessandro Del Grano, Account Manager Kumar Satyam, Campaign Manager Mariapina Sasso, and Head of Publishing Alp Alioğlu.
Reach out directly to schedule a meeting and explore advertising and monetization opportunities for your business!
2023 Event Calendar + Exclusive Promo Codes
Which game conferences can you attend after Gamescom?
There are many interesting events coming up this summer and autumn.
You can check them out in our event calendar which consists of 50+ mobile marketing and mobile gaming events taking place in 2023. In it, you can find regularly updated information about event dates, locations, ticket prices, and exclusive promo codes with up to 20% discounts!
