Games Convention and gamescom go mano-a-mano

By Patrick Garratt

Koelnmesse’s brought the first gamescom forward to directly coincide with next year’s Games Convention.

The show will take place from August 19-23, and not in September as previously planned.

“gamescom belongs to the entire industry and should enjoy as much acceptance as possible,” said BIU boss Klemens Kundratitz.

“This is why we took reservations voiced by the trade and a number of companies regarding scheduling the trade fair in September very seriously. The advantages and disadvantages of holding the trade fair in September were discussed in detail during a number of constructive discussions with industry participants.”

Kundratitz continued: “Ultimately, the voices opposing the date in September were louder than those in favour of it, which is why we worked on a solution that benefits all industry participants. We eventually approached Koelnmesse with our request for a change of schedule, and they were able to move the trade fair to August. I would like to thank all those who worked hard on setting the new date.”

Press release after the link.

Press release

New date: European industry trade fair gamescom will take place from 19 to 23 August 2009

gamescom will celebrate its premiere from 19 – 23 August 2009, and not in September as previously scheduled. Koelnmesse was able to satisfy industry requests and organise the European trade fair for the interactive entertainment industry at an earlier date.

Dr Klemens Kundratitz, board spokesman for the Bundesverband Interaktive Unterhaltungssoftware [Federal Association of Interactive Entertainment Software] (BIU): “gamescom belongs to the entire industry and should enjoy as much acceptance as possible. This is why we took reservations voiced by the trade and a number of companies regarding scheduling the trade fair in September very seriously. The advantages and disadvantages of holding the trade fair in September were discussed in detail during a number of constructive discussions with industry participants.” Kundratitz continues: “Ultimately, the voices opposing the date in September were louder than those in favour of it, which is why we worked on a solution that benefits all industry participants. We eventually approached Koelnmesse with our request for a change of schedule, and they were able to move the trade fair to August. I would like to thank all those who worked hard on setting the new date.”