Press releases
Here you will find all of the news and numerous multimedia links related to gamescom at a glance.
No. 13 The gamescom online world is growing: International sector looks forward to Cologne
Many companies exhibiting for the first time - Spectacular new
attractions announced - Online World browser games park has special
offers for start-ups
The gamescom "Online World" concept has become hugely popular. Renowned online and browser games suppliers from Germany and abroad, and as far afield as the USA, have already confirmed their participation at gamescom and will present their products at Europe's biggest trade fair for interactive entertainment. Some of the biggest names in the sector are already confirmed, such as Bigpoint, Frogster Online Gaming, NCsoft, Trion Worlds and even Perfect World Entertainment from California. Furthermore countless other companies will present the latest developments in the area of online and browser games, including on the community stand of the Korea Trade Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) and on the country-specific community stands for France, Canada or Thailand for example. This is why gamescom is fast becoming an international meeting point for the whole online and browser games sector, and is once again confirming its position as a central lead event for all areas of interactive entertainment. From start-ups to key players, the companies are already looking forward to the start of gamescom and the "Online World" and look set to present some spectacular new developments.
"NCsoft is on board and excitedly planning our gamescom presence for 2010. We have found gamescom to be an excellent opportunity to showcase our products and NCsoft employees enjoy speaking directly with players of all play styles at the show," said Véronique Lallier, MD of Publishing in Europe. "This is a key event for NCsoft; we will be there in force with news about our franchises and we look forward to seeing our players in Cologne."
From Europe to North America
Trion Worlds is convinced that Cologne is the meeting point for the European and international industry and therefore also the entire online and browser games market. "We're really looking forward to meeting gaming enthusiasts of all kinds and generating excitement throughout Europe for our fun, high-quality, online games. We feel having a strong presence at gamescom this summer is a must. All of our premium online games will launch simultaneously in North America and Europe, and with gamescom drawing hundreds of thousands of gamers, it's the show to be at. At this time we can confirm the Trion booth will feature the first public hands-on for the dynamic fantasy MMORPG Rift: Planes of Telara and the first premium MMORTS End of Nations."
At Frogster Online Gaming GmbH too you can sense the anticipation in the run-up to gamescom. Daniel Ullrich, Director of Product Management, gives some solid insights into what Frogster fans can expect in Cologne: "With its magnificent launch last year, gamescom in Cologne has established itself as one of the leading fairs worldwide for interactive games and entertainment. So of course in 2010 too, we want to be a part of this event for all gamers and the entire sector. This is absolutely essential for us. We believe gamescom is the ideal chance to communicate directly with our community to get their feedback on our games. As last year, we will of course be back in the entertainment area with a host of new developments on Runes of Magic. And there will probably be one or two surprises to go with them. We are also looking forward to participating in the business area and seeing all our long-standing contacts from the games industry."
Increased presence in business and entertainment areas
"Of course, just as in 2009, Bigpoint will be in Cologne as the largest German browser games provider. We are delighted that this year the fast-expanding business of online games will be given more recognition at gamescom. So in 2010 we will be exhibiting more extensively in the B2B and consumer areas. Last year showed what enormous potential this fair has for the entire gaming industry," explains Heiko Hubertz, founder and CEO of Bigpoint. During the gaming days in Cologne, Hubertz will also give the keynote speech as part of the Game Developers Conference (GDC Europe), which on the Tuesday will be entirely dedicated to the area of online and browser games development.
Perfect World launches European Portal
For Perfect World Entertainment too, gamescom is a platform for new developments. "We're pleased to announce the launch of our new European portal at such a premier gaming industry event as gamescom," said Alan Chen, CEO of Perfect World Entertainment. "We'll be debuting Battle of the Immortals, which has had a tremendous media and gamer reception in its North American release. We look forward to collaborating with European players to deliver the highest quality MMO experience possible."
Top theme for industry, media and partners
At gamescom, online and browser games will also enjoy well-deserved media attention. In 2009, 4100 journalists from 49 countries produced more than 27,000 reports for TV, radio, printed media and the internet. Countless national B2B and B2C media representatives and partners from all areas of the media regularly follow the development of the topic of online and browser games and will report on gamescom and its key themes.
Browser games park invites start-ups
Start-ups in the area of online and browser games can also benefit from the media presence in Cologne: In the "browser games park", part of the "Online World", start-ups and young companies will have the opportunity to exhibit alongside others. This way they can benefit from tempting advantages, such as cheaper complete packages, an inviting, open stand design and a common lounge area.
