Xbox has detailed its comprehensive plans for Gamescom 2026, anchoring its Cologne exhibition around 25 upcoming games and 140 hands-on stations. Running from August 26 to 30 at Koelnmesse, the showcase features major titles like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 and Gears of War: E-Day ahead of the event’s complete sellout.
Exhibition Space Sells Out Completely as Demand Surges
Exhibitor space for the annual convention has completely sold out for the first time in the event’s history, according to organizers. Last year’s convention broke attendance records with around 357,000 visitors visiting the show in Cologne, Germany. A total of 1,568 exhibitors from 72 countries also took part in the event last year, an increase from 1,462 exhibitors in 2024. This was partly thanks to the decision to expand the show by adding an extra 3,000 square metres of exhibition space.
Now the show’s organisers have announced that all available exhibition space has completely sold out for the first time due to increasing demand
. Gamescom co-organiser the German Games Industry Association and Koelnmesse are now working on ways to expand the event further as soon as next year, to meet this demand and to improve the visitor experience in the process
. The event has also confirmed that more major exhibitors have confirmed their attendance this year, with the likes of Konami, Tencent Games, Embark Studios, Level Infinite, Giants and Aerosoft joining previously confirmed exhibitors such as Nintendo, Xbox, EA, Ubisoft and Capcom.
“That Gamescom is completely booked up is a strong signal for the entire industry,”
Gamescom director Tim Endres
Xbox Brings Major Franchises and Hands-On Stations to Gamescom 2026
Xbox has announced its plans for Gamescom 2026, which will run from August 26 to 30 at Koelenmesse in Cologne, Germany, including first-party and third-party titles playable at its booth, and live stream events. As XBOX commemorates 25 years of play, gamescom 2026 is our way to celebrate the players and communities who made those many years possible. The XBOX booth will be packed with new worlds to explore, developers to meet, and experiences that showcase what’s next for XBOX. Our booth will feature 25 upcoming games and 140 gaming stations, giving fans the opportunity to go hands-on before they launch. Be among the first to play Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, Fable, Minecraft Dungeons II, Gears of War: E-Day, METRO 2039, STRANGER THAN HEAVEN, Alien: Isolation 2, and more.
Attendees can revisit iconic moments, games, and innovations from every generation of XBOX through interactive experiences that honor the memories, friendships, and stories created along the way. That celebration continues with the return of XBOX FanFest, bringing together members of our global community for exclusive experiences and unforgettable moments. Gears of War: E-Day brings the first public playable hands-on experience with campaign to gamescom, giving players an early look at the brutal origins of the Locust War and the beginning of the brotherhood between Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago ahead of its October 6, 2026, release. Play Minecraft Dungeons II for the first time. Drop your pickaxe and grab a sword (and a friend) because the foes are tougher than ever – but the loot is worth the battle. For the first time ever, Fable will have a live demo theater presentation by Playground Games, showcasing live gameplay.
Broadcasting Schedules and Additional Show Floor Highlights
Can’t join in person? We’ll be streaming live on YouTube and Twitch, connecting fans around the world with developer interviews, special guests, gameplay reveals, new trailers, and more. Live streams from the Xbox booth will start at 4:00 pm CEST on August 26 and 27.
- August 26 and 27: Xbox live booth streams broadcast starting at 4:00 pm CEST on YouTube and Twitch.
- August 26 to 30: Gamescom 2026 runs at Koelenmesse in Cologne, Germany.
Other publishers are also bringing major titles to the Cologne show floor. Bandai Namco Entertainment has announced its lineup, including "Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve," which will be playable for the first time in the Entertainment Area, and "Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3." The arcadelastige flight simulation "Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve" puts players in the role of an elite pilot fighting for their homeland in a large-scale conflict, with a campaign that places a special focus on story staging. It is set to release on October 2 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
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