A number of new game trailers dropped at Gamescom 2024 Opening Night. From an upcoming Indiana Jones game, to a Diablo IV expansion, to the latest release in the Civilization series to Goat Simulator (no, I'm not kidding!) But the opening night ceremonies were missing something. And that was a web3 game. But with a growing web3 presence in the gaming world, and a growing presence at Gamescom itself, I expect that to be different this time next year!

What is Gamescom?

Gamescom is an annual gathering of game developers, publishers, and fans. Celebrating the latest in video gaming, Gamescom includes announcements, demos, and esports tournaments. The event also features business areas for networking and industry discussions.

This annual event, held in Cologne Germany, first began in 2009. Always held at the same exhibition hall, Gamescom has grown over the years. Last year (2023), they had over 320k visitors during the event! Celebrities and big name corporations such as XBOX and LEGO attend this event, as well as thousands of fans, developers, investors – basically anyone and everyone involved with the gaming industry!

With more than 1,400 exhibitors from 64 countries, Gamescom 2024 is likely to be their biggest event yet. Tickets are still available for the four day event in you want to join in on the fun. Head over to https://www.gamescom.global/en/tickets/buy-tickets to see the options available.

You can also visit their website for more info and links.

Web Gaming at Gamescom

Though the web3 gaming presence isn’t huge, we do have a few developers venturing into the real of web2 gamers to spread the word about their creations and the technology behind it.

Blockchain Gaming Alliance 

The Blockchain Gaming Alliance (BGA) is an organization committed to promoting blockchain technology within the gaming industry. The BGA provides a platform for members to share knowledge, network, and discuss industry challenges. It also works on raising awareness about the benefits of blockchain in gaming, such as ownership of digital assets, decentralization, and transparent transactions. Members include game developers, publishers, and blockchain companies.

You can find their booth in Hall 2.2 D-051.

Illuvium

Illuvium has been making noise with their launch on the Immutable zkEVM network and their recent partnership with Samsung. Now you can meet and chat with the team at Gamescom 2024 and even claim a $15 gift card just for visiting their booth! You can find them in Hall 9.1

Lussa: The Final Frontier

Lussa: the Final Frontier  is a sci-fi, horror / FPS game is focusing on storytelling and immersive gameplay. They already presented at a side event for this Gamescom and and you can visit their booth at 051, Hall 2.2, Aisle D.

Engines of Fury 

Engines of Fury is a MOBA-style web3 game currently in development. Players will be able to earn rewards by engaging in PvP, arena matches. Engines of Fury will also include NFTs, letting players buy, sell, and trade various game items.

You can find them in the BGA booth in Hall 2.2, D-051 on August 22nd and 23rd after 4pm local time.

PlayToEarn Double XP Event Coming Soon

If you're looking for a conference focused specifically on web3 gaming, then you might want to check out the Double XP Night from PlayToEarn and the Blockchain Gaming Alliance.

Double XP Gaming Night will be in Singapore on September 17, 2024, just before the Token2049 event that weekend.

During this four hour, evening event, you can listen to talks and panels from industry leaders, make connections, meet new people, and even host your own room. Bringing together web3 enthusiasts from around the world, Double XP Gaming Night aims to  foster growth, development, and camaraderie in the blockchain gaming space.

Attendance is free, though spots are somewhat limited. Head over to the event registration page to learn more.