GAMESCOM SIDE EVENTS
CREATE MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES BEYOND THE EXHIBITION FLOOR
Custom-designed gamescom side-events that transform industry connections into business opportunities.
At gamescom, it’s not all about having a booth on the exhibition floor. The truly valuable connections and lasting impressions happen at exclusive events away from the hustle and bustle. With PIRATEx as your partner, you’ll create unforgettable experiences that anchor your brand in the memory of the gaming industry. From intimate networking to vibrant afterparties – we conceptualize, plan, and realize events that are precisely tailored to your goals and create long-term business value.
WHY HOST GAMESCOM SIDE EVENTS? STAND OUT WHERE IT MATTERS
At gamescom, 275,000+ visitors create a sea of noise. Most exhibitors blend in rather than stand out on the crowded exhibition floor.
The most memorable connections during gamescom happen at exclusive side events.
PIRATEx specializes in creating professional gamescom side events where your brand becomes the main character in the gamescom story. While others compete for attention on the crowded show floor, your brand hosts the event everyone is talking about – the highlight of gamescom for your target audience.
TYPES OF SIDE EVENTS DURING GAMESCOM
AFTERPARTIES
Turn industry connections into lasting relationships in an atmosphere that reflects your brand’s energy. Create the event everyone wants to attend.
NETWORKING DINNERS
Curated conversations with industry leaders in sophisticated settings designed for meaningful exchange and relationship building.
PRODUCT LAUNCHES
Craft the perfect moment for your announcement away from the noise of the exhibition floor. Control every aspect of how your product meets the world.
PITCH COMPETITIONS
Showcase innovation and attract investors with professionally organized pitch events that put your industry at the center of attention.
GET-TOGETHERS
Casual yet strategic spaces where genuine connections form naturally and your brand values shine through authentic experiences.
SUCCESSFUL GAMESCOM SIDE EVENTS: OUR CASE STUDIES
THE STARDUST BAR: A GAMING SPEAKEASY
When blockchain gaming company Stardust approached us to develop an innovative afterparty concept for gamescom 2022, we transformed their vision into reality: the Stardust Bar, a Space-Age Gamer Speakeasy.
Inspired by classic speakeasies and our client’s futuristic vision, we created one of gamescom’s exclusive afterparties. Guests were immersed in an environment that reflected the client’s gaming universe, complete with actors and a special collectible card game.
GAMESCOM INVEST CIRCLE: WHERE GAMING INNOVATION MEETS INVESTMENT POWER
For the world’s largest gaming exhibition, we conceptualized and produced the gamescom invest circle 2024 – an exclusive platform connecting innovative gaming studios with international investors.
At the heart of the event was a high-caliber pitch competition featuring ten promising gaming studios identified through a multi-stage selection process. We provided specialized pitch training to prepare the teams for their big moment.
The professional preparation paid off: The live pitches impressed both the industry audience and the international jury with exceptional quality and innovation.
Companies we work with
WHY CHOOSE PIRATEx FOR YOUR EVENT DURING GAMESCOM
LOCAL EXPERTISE
We know Cologne’s best venues and have established relationships that give you premium access during gamescom’s busiest week.
GAMING INDUSTRY FOCUS
We understand gaming culture and how to create authentic experiences that resonate with this specific audience.
END-TO-END PRODUCTION
From concept to execution, everything is handled by our in-house team of event professionals.
SOLUTION-FIRST APPROACH
We solve challenges and co-create the best possible events through genuine collaboration on eye level.
OUR PROCESS: PLANNING YOUR PERFECT GAMESCOM SIDE EVENT
1. DISCOVERY
We understand your brand, objectives, and what success looks like for your gamescom presence.
2. CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT
Our creative team develops unique event concepts tailored to your goals and audience.
3. PRODUCTION PLANNING
We handle all logistics, from venue selection to technical requirements and staffing.
4.FLAWLESS EXECUTION
Our experienced team ensures every detail is perfect on the day of your event.
What our customers say
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How far in advance should we plan a side event during gamescom?
For prime venues and dates, we recommend starting the planning process for your gamescom side event 6-8 months before the exhibition. This ensures you have access to the best locations in Cologne during gamescom and gives us time to create a truly customized experience.
Can you handle international audiences?
Absolutely. As a Cologne-based event agency with international experience, we regularly create gamescom side events for global gaming audiences, including multilingual staff and culturally appropriate experiences. Our expertise in organizing events during gamescom makes us the perfect partner for international clients.
PLAN YOUR GAMESCOM SIDE EVENT FOR 2025
The best venues for events are booking now. Let’s create an extraordinary gamescom side event together.
Want to learn more about our work?
Request our full service portfolio here.