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Now that I've had some time to decompress from the whirlwind experience of Gamescom 2023, I find myself reflecting on the event's sheer scale and the invaluable insights it provided.
Initially, my focus was centered on mobile gaming. However, it quickly became apparent that the event extended far beyond that — covering everything from console and online gaming to mobile, PC, eSports, and indie games.
Two things were very clear though. Firstly, the gaming industry is a compelling tapestry of collaboration, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to enhancing customer experience. Secondly, the more I walked the floors of Gamescom, the clearer it became that Kohort is incredibly well-positioned to play a key role in this dynamic landscape. I share my full experience below.
One of the standout revelations was the industry's emphasis on collaboration. Whether it's between different studios, customers and influencers, or venture capitalists and their portfolio studios, the gaming community thrives on mutually assured success.
A striking example was the variety of country-specific booths peppered throughout Gamescom. Unlike booths organised by an overarching body, many of these were a collaborative effort by the organisations within, creating a cohesive and engaging experience. It exemplified how the growth of the industry is almost guaranteed through a tapestry of symbiotic relationships.
Another lesson that struck me was the vital importance of customer experience. The consumer side of Gamescom was colossal, allowing players to immerse themselves into the games and envision themselves as the characters.
People could literally walk into the worlds they usually experience on a screen, highlighting the industry's commitment to making customer experience paramount. It's hard to think of another sector where the consumer is so central to its success.
For example, if you have been paying attention you would have noticed a number of games available to be played when you log into your Netflix account. It's no wonder the Netflix stand in the consumer section was hard to miss. The Wednesday display was a total standout, and it was only a small section of the larger Netflix stand.
Sidenote: You can read more about Netflix’s voyage into this space here - I suspect tapping into the gaming industry will be a great by product for them.
The confluence of the factors I mentioned creates a landscape ripe for forecasting. Throughout the event and in many of my chats, a recurring theme was the ambition among studios to expand by adding new titles to their portfolio or to attract venture capital. Yet, evaluating the potential of these ventures often involves an element of guesswork.
The good thing about all this is that I could see exactly how Kohort could fill the gaps, and eliminate the uncertainty with precise forecasting, customised reporting, and unique insights. I understood how Kohort can help studios map out a clear future, turning nebulous ideas into measurable successes.
At the end of it all, Gamescom 2023 was a treasure trove of insights into what makes the gaming industry tick and thrive. From collaboration to an unrivalled focus on customer experience, the key tenets of the gaming industry align beautifully with Kohort's capabilities.
I'm excited to see how our journey in this incredible sector continues, and how we will be supporting studios in transforming their grandest visions into reality.
For all of the insane announcements that were made, specifically in mobile gaming, check out this video.
Other links you may find useful
Oh and, whether I'll dress next time remains to be seen. There is dress up then there is Gamescom dress up, and I am not quite sure I can compete!
