Independent developers once again have the opportunity to showcase their projects at gamescom dev, taking place on August 24 and 25 in Cologne, just ahead of gamescom. The initiative is seeking creative and innovative studios interested in presenting their games to international publishers, investors, and industry veterans, expanding their chances for visibility and growth in the market.

As part of the program, 24 independent studios will be selected to participate in the expo, receiving a fully equipped booth for a reduced price of €299. Each space will include a TV screen and seating, as well as visibility across the event’s official channels and the opportunity to take part in the "pitch it!" event, where teams can present their projects directly to potential publishing partners.

The package also includes participation in the selection process for the gamescom dev indie award, along with one Trade Pass and one Content Pass. These benefits grant access to both gamescom dev and the trade visitor days of gamescom, allowing connections made during the expo to be further developed throughout the main event.

The expo positions itself as a strategic platform for development teams to present their games even before gamescom begins, facilitating connections with industry professionals and potential investors. The environment encourages idea exchange, networking, and concrete business opportunities for promising projects.

Applications are open until April 30, 2026, and require that the game be in a playable state, at least in alpha, must not yet have a publisher, and must be submitted together with a gameplay video. The initiative reinforces the organizers commitment to supporting new talent and boosting the global indie scene.