World's largest computer games trade fair opens in Cologne

The world's largest computer games trade fair Gamescom opened its doors to a rush of visitors on Wednesday morning, reported dpa.

People from the industry, journalists and selected fans all poured in to explore the event's first day in Cologne.

The event is open to the general public as of Thursday, when it is expected to be even more crowded. Tickets to the trade fair are already sold out for Saturday. The event runs until Sunday.

Some 1,227 exhibitors are showing new games, hardware and other products. Companies exhibiting wares include Nintendo, Netease, Tencent and Ubisoft.

Streaming services Netflix, Disney+, Crunchyroll and Amazon Prime are also showing products.

Visitor numbers are expected to surpass the numbers from 2022, when 265,000 people attended the games industry gathering. The fair had a record 373,000 visitors in 2019.

The fair opened on Tuesday evening with a show featuring film director Zack Snyder. He presented his Netflix two-part series "Rebel Moon," which is due to be released at the end of 2023 and in spring 2024. Some 2,000 watched his event live at the site while several million people followed online. A game is to be launched to accompany the film.

German Economy Minister Robert Habeck and North Rhine Westphalia's state premier Hendrik Wüst are expected to attend on Wednesday evening.