Australia is set to be the official partner country for Gamescom 2022, one of the largest video game exhibitions in the world. This means that in addition to helping with organisation of the event, games advocacy body IGEA will be establishing a dedicated Australian games booth on the show floor – with keen local developers encouraged to apply for a spot.
Expressions of interest are open via the IGEA website, which details everything you need to know about applying, and how much a spot in the stand will cost. It appears the booth will be limited to 20 studios, but IGEA and its partner companies – federal and state organisations like Austrade, Screen Queensland, Creative Victoria and others – will be looking for a strong, representative mix of studios and developers.
To apply, businesses will first need to consider their availability between 24 August and 26 August 2022, when the show will take place at the Kolnmesse in Cologne, Germany. International travel is required, and developers should consider their health requirements when it comes to covid safety.
The costings for a place in the booth are as follows (all prices in AUD):
- $7000 for businesses with revenue of more than $5 million
- $4500 for businesses with revenue between $3-5 million
- $2500 for businesses with revenue below $3 million
However, those who are eligible for Austrade’s Export Market Development Grant will be able to claim 50% of these costs back, according to IGEA. Developers from Western Australia and South Australia will also reportedly have their stand fees covered by their local state-based agencies.
Read: All the Big Video Game Events in 2022
Travel, transport and passport fees are not mentioned on the application FAQ, so it’s assumed successful applicants will need to pay their own way, or look into market grants for the industry – an area which IGEA can certainly provide advice on.
Currently, the team is looking to include a fixed number of studios per state, in line with the overall state financial contribution to the Gamescom 2022 stand. A selection process will be undertaken, should demand be overwhelming.
Successful applicants will be provided with access to the stand (which will be pre-built by IGEA), meeting planning tools, marketing support, local internet, access to a private meeting room, and pre-training ahead of the event (which will include travel information and business training).
These tools should help local developers get in touch with publishers and other international partners that may prove beneficial in the long run.
Applications to join the Gamescom 2022 stand are now open via the IGEA website, and will close on 16 May 2022.
