Cologne (Germany) (AFP) – Europe's biggest video games show Gamescom opens its doors Tuesday in Cologne with the industry hoping that the coming blockbuster "Grand Theft Auto VI" can provide a much-needed boost, as studios cut jobs amid fierce competition.
Issued on: 25/08/2026 - 13:21
Fans and professionals will get a first glimpse at scores of new titles at a sold-out opening ceremony that begins at 8:00 pm (1800 GMT), which will highlight coming games for about two hours.
But even though "GTA VI" will not be among them -- its US maker Rockstar Games has its own plans for what could be one of the biggest game launches ever -- it will be on everyone's mind.
Nearly 360,000 people attended Gamescom last year, almost hitting the pre-Covid levels of about 370,000.
