September's GamesCom event in Cologne will take over as Europe's lead industry trade show, says organizer Koelnmesse. GamesCom is also backed by German trade organization Bundesverband Interaktive Unterhaltungssoftware, which represents software publishers.
Leipziger Messe, organizers of the Games Convention and GC Developers Conference in Leipzig,
recently reported record attendance for 2008's event and promised to return in August 2009 despite coincidence with GamesCom and similar statements by Koelnmesse
earlier this year that Leipzig would be replaced.
Despite the Leipzig show's success, attendees have criticized the city itself as an event location because of its lack of transport links, particularly by air. Nintendo
declined to attend the event this year, but Nintendo Germany general manager Dr. Bernd Fakesch has said the company is considering attending GamesCom in Cologne.
"From Leipzig we are bringing the clear message that the games industry will be exhibiting in 2009 in Cologne at GamesCom," says Koelnmesse managing director Oliver Kuhrt.
"We have met with broad approval, and the industry is looking forward to gathering in Cologne. Whatever happens in Germany in 2009 outside of Cologne cannot claim to represent this sector."
GamesCom is set to take place September 9 through 13 2009, with the first day being trade-exclusive. In particular, Kuhrt says this portion "is the new communication and trading platform for the international games industry."
