Federal President opens gamescom congress 2026 in Cologne

<p>For the first time in the history of gamescom, a Federal President has visited the world's largest trade fair for computer and video games: Frank-Walter Steinmeier opened the gamescom congress 2026 in Cologne and thereby set a remarkable sign for the social standing of the games industry. His appearance marks a symbolic highlight for an industry that increasingly sees itself as a cultural and democratic force.</p><h2>A historic moment for the games industry</h2><p>The gamescom congress is regarded as the world's leading conference on the social and cultural potential of games. The fact that Steinmeier, for the first time, saw the highest state office of the Federal Republic personally open the congress was valued equally by organizers and industry as a special signal. Prior to the event, Koelnmesse and game – Association of the German Games Industry had announced the visit as an expression of the growing social recognition of the medium.</p><h2>Social significance of computer and video games</h2><h3>An outlet against stress, a bridge against loneliness</h3><p>In his opening speech, the Federal President emphasized that games are far more than mere entertainment. They could help people cope better with everyday life – as an outlet against stress, as a bridge against loneliness, and as training for cognitive abilities. With this, he brought into focus a perspective that often comes short in public debate about games: their positive psychological and social impact.</p><h3>Values, fair play and historical knowledge</h3><p>Steinmeier also touched on the fact that games can convey historical knowledge and promote civic education. They encouraged reflection on values, rules and fair play in interaction, said the Federal President. At the end of his speech, he called for society to make greater use of the positive potential that emerges when playing – the connecting element, the creativity, the energy.</p><h2>Voices of the organizers</h2><p>The officials of Koelnmesse and industry association were also visibly proud of the prominent visit. Gerald Böse, Chairman of the Management Board of Koelnmesse GmbH, stated: <strong>"We are very pleased to welcome Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to the Koelnmesse grounds. His visit is a special honor for us and an extraordinary signal for the social importance of gamescom and the gamescom congress."</strong> They were proud to offer with gamescom an international platform where industry, politics, science, media and community come together to showcase the positive power of games, Böse added. Felix Falk, CEO of game – Association of the German Games Industry and co-organizer of gamescom, classified the visit similarly: <strong>"With the visit of the Federal President, gamescom today sends a signal for the special social significance of games."</strong> Games, the companies and creatives behind them, as well as the games community are a positive social and democratic force, as gamescom and gamescom congress impressively demonstrate – a potential that, according to Falk, needs to be utilized much more strongly.</p><h2>Tour and panel discussion on democracy</h2><p>As part of his visit, the Federal President also participated in a panel discussion on the role of games in democracy. Subsequently, he gained an overview of the diverse potential of games for culture and society during a tour of gamescom in direct exchange with game developers and the community. Thus, his visit underscored not only symbolically but also substantively the breadth with which the gamescom congress addresses the social dimensions of the medium.</p><h2>Conclusion and outlook</h2><p>The Federal President's visit to gamescom congress 2026 is likely to be remembered as a turning point in the public perception of games in Germany. When the highest state office of the Federal Republic offers the industry such a prominent platform, it sends a strong signal to politics, business and society: games are long since more than a niche topic for young audiences – they are cultural assets, educational instruments and democratic spaces of experience all at once. For Koelnmesse and the game association, this moment should serve in the future as an important building block to further expand the social and political recognition of the industry. It remains exciting to observe what concrete impetus will emerge from the initiated debate on values, democracy and the positive potential of games in the coming years.</p>