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gamescom 2026: Industry & Networking Programme at the SAXONY! Joint Booth
In Saxony, you will find ideal conditions for developing your game. We offer financial support for you and your project, access to highly skilled talent and an excellent network ready to support you with expertise and connections. Come to Saxony and take your project to the next level! Eine kleine redaktionelle Empfehlung hätte ich dabei noch: „Industry & Networking Programme“ finde ich für Fach- und Networking-Programm deutlich stärker als das wörtlichere Professional & Networking Programme. Und „SAXONY! Joint Booth“ würde ich auf der gesamten englischen Seite konsistent als festen Begriff verwenden.
At gamescom 2026, the SAXONY! joint booth in the Business Area will once again host an exciting programme of industry talks and networking opportunities. Curated by the R42 Games Hub & Accelerator, the programme aims to foster exchange between companies, investors, research institutions and international partners, with a particular focus on innovation, internationalisation and cross-sector collaboration.
The Programme
Wednesday, 26 August 2026
11:00–11:05 | Welcome to SAXONY – Welcome Address
Dr Thomas Richter (Head of Department at Saxony Economic Development) welcomes you to the SAXONY! joint booth.
11:05–11:45 | Panel Talk: “THAT’S SAXONY!”
Friedrich Lüder (Managing Director of Games & XR Mitteldeutschland e.V.), Uli Quasebarth (CEO of Cosmic Stag Games) and Martin Beyer (tox² interactive) kick off the trade show with a panel discussion. Get insights into the current state of Saxony’s games industry and find out how the region and its games ecosystem are perceived from outside Saxony.
13:00–13:45 | R42 around the World! – Game Jam in Kenya (in English)
In June, members of the R42 Games Hub & Accelerator team from Leipzig travelled to Kenya. The “Entrepreneurship Game Jam 2026” aimed to foster entrepreneurial thinking, start-up skills and the development of interactive prototypes through a playful, hands-on approach.
In this mini recap, Kim Steffen from R42, Kenyan Game Jam participant Gichia Kiurire and Philipp Illmer from Level Labs, who joined the trip as an expert, share their experiences. They will talk about the Game Jam, the importance of international exchange within the games industry and the new networking opportunities it can create. There is also a small surprise – because the Game Jam set far more in motion than anyone initially expected.
15:30–16:15 | Build to Play: The Story and Future of CAGGTUS Leipzig with Carsten Lorenz
Carsten Lorenz (Leipziger Messe) is part of the communications team behind CAGGTUS Leipzig, Central Germany’s largest gaming festival. In this talk, he takes a look at the history of CAGGTUS: how the event came about, how it has developed since its first edition in 2023, and what visitors can look forward to at CAGGTUS 2027 – including a first glimpse of why you should not miss it.
Thursday, 27 August 2026
11:00–11:45 | Survival Guide – FusionPlay Through the Years with Konrad Kunze
Konrad Kunze, one of the early studio founders in Leipzig’s games scene, shares insights into FusionPlay’s journey, including all its ups and downs. He has been working as Lead Game Designer at the studio since 2012 and has contributed to successful titles including Nice Day for Fishing.
13:00–13:45 | Saxony’s Hidden Champions – KOMSA from the Ore Mountains with Toni Burger
The Ore Mountains are widely known for their mining tradition, world-famous woodcraft and unique Christmas heritage. What far fewer people know is that the region is also home to a company generating annual revenues of around €1.2 billion and employing approximately 900 people.
So what does this Saxon distributor, which usually connects international brands with retailers across Europe, have to do with games? Managing Director Toni Burger will tell you himself.
16:00–16:45 | Fireside Chat with René Habermann
You ask, René Habermann (Managing Director of Bippinbits) answers. This Q&A session is your chance to ask an experienced game developer all the questions you have always wanted to ask – including, of course, about the studio’s successful game Dome Keeper.
17:00–20:00 | Bergfest
Halfway through gamescom, it is time to wind down and get together at the SAXONY! joint booth. Join us for relaxed conversations, new connections and a selection of regional snacks and drinks.
On offer will be Ur-Krostitzer beer (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), Lipz Schorle, Dr. Quendt’s Russisch Brot biscuits and Zetti Knusperflocken.
Stop by, say hello and enjoy a relaxed evening with us right in the heart of the gamescom Business Area. We look forward to seeing you!
Friday, 28 August 2026
11:00–12:00 | Last Level Lounge
One last coffee. One last conversation. One last chance to connect.
As the gamescom Business Area draws to a close, we invite you to join us for the Last Level Lounge at the SAXONY! joint booth. Use the final hour to continue conversations, make new connections or simply catch up with members of Saxony’s games industry in a relaxed atmosphere.
After all, some of the best ideas are worth revisiting over a cup of coffee.
See you there!
All sessions will be hosted by Gottfried Haufe.