Leipzig Games Convention dead, long live Games Convention Online
by Jem Alexander 
{ Jan 29th 2009 at 8:30AM } 
Or rather, GAMES CONVENTION ONLINE as the press release puts it. The Leipzig Games Convention, Europe's premier video games showcase, will be closing its doors in 2009 thanks to competition from Cologne's Gamescom, a new event which premieres this Summer. Gamescom boasts the full support of the industry, which it has snatched from Leipzig's grasp. This includes acting as host for GDC Europe, which had previously been hosted at Leipzig alongside the Games Convention.The Leipzigger Messe isn't done with games, though, as it will play host to a new event this year. Games Convention Online will take part in Leipzig between July 31 and August 2, and will focus on "the most dynamic market in the gaming industry: browser, client and mobile games." An exciting prospect, by all accounts, but we suspect it may not see as great a turnout as Gamescom might.
As if the news couldn't get any sadder, Leipzig's CEO Wolfgang Marzin says the industry can come back any time (please!). "If the industry is again in search of a platform for console and PC games and hardware with the know-how of the GC - Games Convention, we will immediately be available."
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Djiego @ Jan 29th 2009 12:19PM
Cologne's Gamescom? I swear I never heard of it.
DKShadow @ Jan 29th 2009 9:06AM
That's a damn shame - I guess I can throw my GC09 Press Pass in the garbage then >_
Ethan @ Jan 29th 2009 10:02AM
It's probably just a cheaper venue. Couple hundred miles west? Don't see many pros or cons there. I'm just glad there's still a major event in europe.
Roto13 @ Jan 29th 2009 10:45AM
I don't care where it is or who is hosting it. As long as I get my game news/announcements/trailers/screens/etc..
Josh @ Jan 29th 2009 11:06AM
Awww, poor Games Convention. They seem so desparate... :(
Josh @ Jan 29th 2009 11:06AM
*desperate
Yes, I corrected it.
KarlW @ Jan 29th 2009 11:40AM
I used to live in Leipzig, and it's a fantastic place. Very sad to see it lose the GC, which really put it on the map. The influx of tens of thousands of foreign gamers and journalists did really well for the local economy.
Leipzig is an important historical and cultural city, and I hope it can come back from this loss.
Anyone go to the GC? What did you think of Leipzig?
BJ is Gooder @ Jan 29th 2009 2:18PM
I lived in Leipzig for a time as well...fantastic city. I would've liked to have gone back to visit during the convention. I really can't say enough great things about Leipzig.
kaiswil2 @ Jan 29th 2009 11:08PM
I was an exchange student and visited and stayed in Leipzig for 2 weeks back in 2000. It was a nice visit and I really don't have any thing bad to say for the town except the Police did not believe me when i told them i was an Ame.
True Story I was pulled over while riding a bike down the big hill in the town and i was going to fast, so the cops pulled me over.
And if you go stop and get a Doner from some deli / eatery on the main drag i have never found the same thing here in the States yet.
Patrick @ Jan 29th 2009 12:40PM
Very sad, i magaged to go to the Leipzig GC for the first time last summer, and it was amazing. Shame it'll be the last...
Ah well, Cologne - here i come =D
Nobledevil @ Jan 29th 2009 1:01PM
I expect great things from Gamescom or I'm pissed - or at least slightly annoyed. GC has always been damned interesting, even with the focus on European markets, meaning I wouldn't be getting a lot of the stuff shown, but it was a fun show to pay attention too. The podcasts from certain websites made from Gc were also great, with funny stories about weird stuff happening being my most looked forward aspect of the event.
343 Guilty Fart @ Jan 29th 2009 2:44PM
Just more west germans taking commerce away from the ossies. No wonder there's still so much bitterness.
mnemo @ Jan 30th 2009 4:51AM
Gamescon is backed by the BIU, the German "interactive entertainment software" forum, members include Microsoft, Nintendo, Sony, Sega, Activision, Atari, Eidos, Konami, T2, THQ, Ubisoft.
IMO Leipzig was at the "far end" of Germany and I would've never thought of going there, but Cologne is worth a trip.