Europe's biggest video games show, Gamescom, opens its doors Tuesday in Cologne, Germany, with the industry hoping that the upcoming blockbuster "Grand Theft Auto VI" can provide a much-needed boost, as studios cut jobs amid fierce competition.
Fans and professionals will get a first glimpse at scores of new titles at a sold-out opening ceremony that begins at 8 p.m. (6 p.m. GMT), which will highlight coming games for about two hours.
Even though "GTA VI" will not be among them – its U.S. 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-19 levels of about 370,000.
Visitors, many of whom dress up as their favorite characters, will be able to play new releases at hundreds of stations starting Wednesday.
