My first Gamescom: Cosplayers, party vibes, DnD, Schweinsteiger — and elves at the supermarket

Wow, this expo is insanely crowded and loud, soon worse than a Christmas market. If you want to try a blockbuster game yourself, you have to stand in line for 30, 45 or even 60 minutes, and people willingly spend 20 minutes waiting in line just for free chocolate bars. Otherwise, all you see everywhere are trailers and posters — one giant advertising event!

I deliberately wanted to experience my first Gamescom more as a private visitor than for work, walking through the exhibition halls with the wide-eyed perspective of a visitor rather than looking for potential B2B contacts. That didn't work quite as well at first, but from the second day onward, it got better. And that's when I started enjoying the expo more and more.

You definitely have to set aside some time, though. Anyone wanting to try the new Witcher game probably needed 45–60 minutes of patience, while I "only" waited 20 minutes to try out the new class in Path of Exile II. Visitors craving a free Subway baguette hopefully had something to snack on during the long wait. And I still don't understand why anyone would spend 15 minutes in line just to let a prize wheel decide whether they get a white or brown Duplo chocolate bar.

But especially away from the biggest blockbusters, there is plenty to discover: In the outdoor area, you can take your time admiring all the fan cosplayers while they have lunch, while downstairs, smaller training academies, universities and other exhibitors showcase themselves and their clever ideas. You can also learn about IT and gaming jobs. On top of that, there are cool sets inspired by well-known games, giant video screens, 3D-printing activities and more.

And you don't get to see a bunch of elves, wizards and monsters suddenly wandering around the Lidl next to Gamescom every day, either.

Above all, it was the DnD trial game hosted by the International University. The IU dungeon master, who really got into character, threw us into a dangerous dungeon as a nasty goblin chief and sent us off to get him some gold.

Then there were all the many cool sets and costumes. The numerous cosplayers — both those hired specifically for the expo and the many private attendees in costume — looked incredibly convincing and cool in some cases.

Oh, and surprise guest and former soccer player Bastian Schweinsteiger was shown the new Fifa... sorry, FC, with an entourage of professional film crew members following him every step of the way and fans holding their smartphones high in the air.

Then there were the tables and larger arenas that brought the Rocket League concept into the real world, using RC cars and softballs.

And then there was the Gamescom Camp — after all, anyone can go to a hotel. But I may share my impressions of the camp and its festival atmosphere in another article soon.

As a gaming fan, you simply have to experience Gamescom at least once. It's best to go as a private visitor, preferably with friends, set aside plenty of time and maybe even combine the trip with the camp. That way, you get twice as much of the gaming and festival vibe. The highlight isn't necessarily the games themselves, but the atmosphere surrounding them and the chance to connect with so many people who share the same (or an even greater) passion for gaming.

On the other hand, if you're not particularly into trade shows in general or games specifically, you probably won't have much fun at the loud, flashy and extremely crowded Gamescom either.

Will I come back? Maybe not, maybe I will — who knows. But I experienced a lot in just a few days, and I'm glad I got to see it at least once.