Gamescom is introducing a new set of guidelines to ensure their exhibition booths are more accessible, aiming to improve the experience for all attendees.

On the 23rd, the organizers announced the 'gamescom cares' and 'gamescom goes green' initiatives. While 'gamescom cares' focuses on awareness, accessibility, youth protection, and community building, 'gamescom goes green' is dedicated to environmental protection and resource conservation.

Starting this year, Gamescom is rolling out expanded accessibility guidelines for exhibition booths. The goal is to improve the experience for visitors with disabilities, developed in collaboration with the 'Barrierefreies Gaming' (Barrier-free Gaming) network.

These guidelines encourage exhibitors to integrate accessibility from the initial planning stage. Specifically, they aim to remove steps in exhibition spaces and require clear labeling of accessibility features. This includes designing accessible queues, gaming stations, rest areas, and providing support for those prone to sensory overload. The organizers have also added accessibility information to the Gamescom app and increased the number of reservable wheelchairs.

Additionally, they are installing awareness booths in the north zone and expanding the support teams on the ground, while maintaining existing rest and safe spaces.

Furthermore, the speedrunning event 'GDQ (Games Done Quick)' will make its European debut as 'Gamescom GDQ'. From August 28th to 30th, it will raise funds under the theme of 'Gaming for Democracy' in partnership with the Foundation for Digital Games Culture and the Bertelsmann Stiftung.

As part of 'gamescom goes green', the organizers are operating channels to donate surplus catering and construction materials after the event. They are also continuing existing measures such as carbon reduction and the 'Green Ticket' initiative to support the Gamescom Forest.

Gerald Böse, CEO of Koelnmesse, the organizer of Gamescom, stated, "Engaging with social issues is a vital part of Koelnmesse's operations. Gamescom has been a pioneer in this field for years, and we are working with our partners to further develop measures for participation, sustainability, and collaboration."

Gamescom 2026 is scheduled to take place at the Koelnmesse from August 26th to 30th.