Gamescom 2025 once again boasted record numbers: 357.000 visitors from all over the worldImpressive venues, new games, and an international audience of industry professionals. But behind the colorful facade lies an issue that is hardly ever discussed, yet was clearly visible: security risks and loopholes that should worry even the most seasoned event planners.
Large-scale operations, but no guarantee
The trade fair kicked off on Wednesday morning not only with exhibition halls packed with gaming fans, but also with an unusual operation by Cologne customs. Nearly 60 officers from the Financial Control Unit for Undeclared Work checked almost 150 employees from over 40 security companies – simultaneously at all entrances and inside the halls.
The Results from the customs office The findings were sobering: Many security personnel only vaguely knew their employers, some were clearly employed illegally, or even underage. Initial indications of minimum wage violations and benefit fraud also surfaced. Cologne customs officials emphasize that these checks are only the first step and that the real investigation will take place afterward.
The problem lies less with the organizer itself, who certainly maintain a security presence. However, due to the complex network of subcontractors, Gamescom cannot vet every single employee. In practice, this means that the motivation and qualifications of the security personnel often leave much to be desired – and this leads to further problems.
Security checks: between theory and practice – my experience
Early in the morning, entry went quite smoothly. Bag checks were taken fairly seriously, presumably because the crowds were still manageable at 8:30 a.m. But by the afternoon, the situation had changed: I briefly left the grounds and returned with a backpack full of goodies. Among them was a nicely wrapped package that could have easily held more than just a T-shirt. The security check at the main entrance was cursory – a quick glance at the backpack, and that was it. Even the metal detectors didn't trigger, despite my laptop. The theoretical possibility of smuggling in dangerous items would have existed.
I find the paper tickets that trade visitors receive printed out on the first day problematic, and frankly quite outdated. These were sufficient as proof of eligibility even in the business area, and even to access the publisher areas.Security: Checked“That’s what one publisher casually remarked. It’s only a matter of time before you lose them and are found by the “right” person. Sometimes this leads you into areas that are absolutely not meant for public consumption, including the business area, or, like our colleague Christian, who was there representing the game association and had VIP status.
Gaps and their consequences
These seemingly casual observations reveal that while the security concept looks good on paper, it's vulnerable in practice. Gamescom is a huge, perhaps even too large, event where it's impossible to secure every last detail. That's the reality. But when security personnel are poorly paid or inadequately trained, gaps in protection emerge.
I never felt unsafe at Gamescom. The atmosphere was relaxed, the visitors peaceful, and despite all the challenges, Germany is still a comparatively safe country. But it is precisely this deceptive calm that gives one pause: What happens if a real emergency occurs?
With over 350.000 visitors spread across multiple enclosed halls, even minor incidents can quickly escalate into major problems. Panic in narrow corridors, evacuations in unclear emergency situations, or simply coordinating rescue services – all of this requires professionally trained personnel who can react appropriately in an emergency. But if even routine checks are superficial and security staff barely know their own employers, the question arises: How reliably does the system function when it really matters?
Gamescom is not just a trade fair, but a mass event. And at mass events, seconds often determine the safety of thousands of people. This should not be left to chance.
Similar events abroad have shown the way: Here in London, for example, baggage scanners are now commonplace to secure events – even if they annoy visitors. This even... Suspicious decoys easily foundI'm also seeing dynamic QR codes more and more often. But that's always a question of organization. In Cologne, however, they rely heavily on the personal integrity of the security personnel, and that can be dangerous.
Gamescom 2025 was certainly another fantastic experience, but my impressions show that security concepts are only as good as the people implementing them. Bag checks, paper tickets, poorly trained staff – all of this creates loopholes that could easily be exploited.
Great article on an important topic, thank you! The article also reinforces the impression I had as a (private) visitor.
This topic is important, and I would ask you, especially given your reach and position, to share your findings! PLEASE communicate with gamescom and use your booth so that the organizers hear this from an "official" source.
The sooner this is examined more closely, the sooner it can be prevented that something happens at gamescom that shocks everyone afterwards, but then articles like this one are unearthed and it's claimed that this was known years in advance.
You would be using your position for something good, so please discuss this within the team or give feedback to the Cologne Trade Fair.
Lg
I think we live in completely different worlds. The more relaxed and less noticeable the security, the better. It's also nice for younger people to experience an adventure and get a brief glimpse into the business world – we shouldn't be too strict about it.
What I find more concerning is the symbolism of arriving with a customs flash mob at the start and essentially SWATting the event unnecessarily. THAT creates stress! It suggests danger and panic.
It's good that there are police officers with MP5 players at the entrance. In other countries (like Disneyland in France), that's common practice.
Potentially criminal individuals should see immediately that things are run smoothly at Ganescom. A mass event like this needs to be secure. A visible presence creates security, especially for all the families, and symbolizes "we are here and we are watching out."
I find that sounds very harsh and crude. Is that an attitude you've always held, or did you formulate it that way out of a sense of crisis?
I was at Gamescom in 2012 and nobody was checked there either, but even back then you had to queue for an hour just to go to the bathroom.
It's truly a miracle that it hasn't happened yet.
It doesn't even have to be an attack; a panic attack is enough. I don't understand how anyone can prioritize growth over safety.
You're absolutely right with your comment! I completely agree 🙂