Gamescom Latam Aims to Double in Size for Its Second Year

The inaugural Gamescom Latam can be deemed a resounding success, attracting over 100,000 visitors from more than 70 countries to the São Paulo Expo centre during the last week of June. These attendees had the opportunity to engage with a diverse array of games, including locally developed indie titles, AAA blockbusters, and first-party hits, showcased by 124 exhibitors from 66 countries. The event also drew significant industry presence, with over 200 publishers and 700 studios in attendance. This impressive turnout surpasses that of the BIG Festival, which peaked at 50,000 attendees in its previous year. Gamescom Latam CEO Gustavo Steinberg notes that the initial batch of promotional tickets sold out in a mere 20 minutes, catching the organizing team off guard. With confidence in the event's success, the Gamescom Latam team began preparations for the next year, including a planned relocation to the Anhembi Convention Center. This new venue will provide double the floor space, increasing from 25,000 square meters to 50,000, and is expected to accommodate at least 150,000 attendees, potentially reaching 200,000. Steinberg views Gamescom Latam as a pivotal event in the global gaming landscape, strategically positioned in Latin America, a region he believes holds significant potential due to its Western cultural influences, creative workforce, and booming gaming industry. The decision to establish a presence in Latin America is also driven by geopolitical considerations, with Steinberg citing the region's stability and growth prospects compared to other areas. Gamescom Latam is the result of a merger between Gamescom and the BIG Festival, which had been running since 2012. Steinberg, instrumental in organizing the BIG Festival, sees the merger as a means to accelerate growth, leveraging Gamescom's credibility and networking opportunities. The event has already surpassed the 1,000-company attendance milestone, with a notable increase in engagement between attendees, including over 11,000 meetings facilitated through its matchmaking platform. The introduction of a business element for content creators and influencers has also been well-received, with a dedicated area for them to network with exhibitors and other companies. The BIG Festival remains an integral part of Gamescom Latam, with a substantial area dedicated to indie games and a renewed focus on its core mission. Steinberg aims to integrate Gamescom Latam with its parent company, Koelnmesse, and position the event as a global spectacle, as evidenced by the simultaneous streaming of its Countdown show in Germany and Singapore.