{"id":1658,"date":"2024-08-19T16:53:58","date_gmt":"2024-08-19T14:53:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dasmedienzentrum.org\/?p=1658"},"modified":"2024-08-19T16:53:58","modified_gmt":"2024-08-19T14:53:58","slug":"gamer-go-to-cologne-frankfurt-left-out","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dasmedienzentrum.org\/?p=1658","title":{"rendered":"Gamer Go to Cologne \u2013 Frankfurt Left Out"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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These days, the world\u2019s largest trade fair \u2013 at least according to the organizers \u2013 for video and computer games is taking place in Germany. Why in Cologne and not in the \u201ctrade fair capital\u201d Frankfurt? Who plays, and what significance does this industry have for our society and economy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Significance of the Gaming Industry<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The gaming industry is no longer a niche market. Believe it or not, with a turnover of almost 10 billion euros in 2022, it is the most profitable creative industry in Germany, far ahead of the film and music industries (source: game.de). The industry is booming and growing steadily, which is also reflected in the increasing number of players.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who Plays?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Germany, around 54 percent of the population play computer and video games at least occasionally. Gaming is particularly popular among 16- to 29-year-olds, over 85 percent of whom play regularly. But gaming is also widespread in other age groups: 18 percent of those over 65 also play occasionally (both figures from Statista).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gaming Companies in the Rhine-Main Region<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Rhine-Main region is home to numerous innovative gaming companies. Some of the most well-known include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Played?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In terms of video game sales, games like Minecraft, Grand Theft Auto, Tetris, and Super Mario Bros. are far ahead. These games sell between 300 and 60 million licenses per year. Gamers pay a one-time fee of between 7 and 30 euros, while bundles cost over 400 euros. Many Tetris games are available online for free, but special versions or platforms may incur costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Cologne and Not Frankfurt?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gamescom has been held annually in Cologne since 2009 and has established itself as the world\u2019s largest trade fair for computer games. Cologne offers a large and easily accessible trade fair venue with Koelnmesse, which is attractive to both trade visitors and the general public. The central location and good infrastructure contribute to the popularity of the site. Perhaps the marketing in Cologne was just more alert?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Side Effects of Gaming<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gaming has both positive and negative side effects. On the positive side, video games can improve spatial thinking and help with depression and feelings of loneliness. However, excessive gaming and poor posture can lead to health problems such as neck tension and wrist inflammation (sources: Barmer and Helios).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exciting effects are being generated in unexpected industries and professions, such as sales, where sales simulations are used to hold competitions between individual salespeople. Gaming has indeed found exciting effects and applications in many unexpected industries and professions. Here are some examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n