I’ve always liked going to Gamescom. I liked it when it was in Leipzig and I like it even more since it is in Cologne. It is not because of Kölsch, although it certainly has a part in it, but in my opinion it is better than any other game show you can go to.
Gamescom has a special place in my heart as this is a European show. This is our show. This is our time to show our enthusiasm and how serious we are about games. I always enjoy coming out of the business area to stomp around the show floor, just to feel the vibe. There is a constant background noise of people trying to communicate over the music blasting from the huge pavilions, with scattered "WHOOS" and "WHAAS" as the announcers rev up the crowds. There are always teenagers sprinting across the show floor so they don’t miss an important announcement, program, or giveaway at some other part of the venue. There are the people who dress up like characters of certain games (or Cosplay for those who are more familiar with it); others gather so much stuff they can barely walk. Let’s not forget the hardcore people looking at games like a professor would look at some new found specimen, but most importantly, there is the huge mass of gamers flowing like a river from one hall to the other.
A feeling of "I'm a part of something important that is happening here right now" can be felt everywhere. The air seems to vibrate from the sheer excitement that is all around you (the bass probably adds to the effect). Being part of this as a developer is just the most inspiring thing I ever experienced. When I'm there, I feel this need to make the best game ever. I want to see our game on a large screen and see people go nuts about it. It’s this that gives me the drive to make games. And Gamescom is the best place to experience this atmosphere. All the other shows I’ve visited have this feeling floating around, to a certain extent, but Gamescom has the most of it by far. Come over next time and see it for yourself.
-Szab
Sorry for the low quality of photo, the iPhone 3 doesn't have the best camera.
This one is from the Star Craft II Tournament
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