The EGX Berlin, which took place last weekend, recorded an increase in visitor numbers this year, which was noticeable on the spot.
Thus, 15,600 gaming enthusiasts (previous year: 15,200) came together to play games and to discuss with the creators, to learn the background and to exchange opinions: these were the central cornerstones of the EGX Berlin. The entire bandwidth – from blockbusters to niche topics – was covered.
With more than 100 companies from different areas as well as numerous guests from and beyond the industry, the number of exhibitors and participants was significantly increased this year.
"In Berlin too, the EGX is increasingly establishing itself as the perfect platform for game publishers, developers and creative minds to meet eye-level gaming fans. The open concept of the EGX allows the community to participate in high-profile panels and talks that are usually held at closed B2B conferences. Experience a talk between Fatih Akin and Hideo Kojima up close – that's what makes the EGX special. We are extremely satisfied with this positioning and the positive development of the event, "said Hans-Joachim Erbel, CEO of Reed Exhibitions Deutschland.
The highlight of the event came to a close on Sunday: The Japanese developer legend Hideo Kojima visited as part of his "World Beach Tour" the EGX Berlin and discussed with the German director and Golden Globe winner Fatih Akin on the merger of films and games , In the approximately one-hour talk different aspects of the topic were illuminated and the two storytellers gave interesting insights into their views and points of view.
Another highlight was Cyberpunk 2077. In the EGX Theater, more than 1,500 visitors were able to experience live how the blockbuster will play in April 2020. In a localization panel, Benjamin Völz (German voice of Keanu Reeves) and Flavia Vinzens (female voice of "V") gave insights into the work on the German version of the game. Fabian Döhla from CD Projekt RED:
"The EGX Berlin was a worthy end to our Samurai tour – the mix of gameplay demos and panel discussions about Cyberpunk 2077 was at least as much fun as the crowd."
For the playable titles, DOOM Eternal and Final Fantasy VII Remake were particularly high in the visitors' course. At numerous stations, the two titles could be tried before their release in March 2020: DOOM Eternal fired a super-class action firework on the screens and Final Fantasy VII remake was able to show why it's the reinvention of a game that has defined a whole genre.
Personally, we were pleased when even more current games that are now appearing would have also been there. Especially EA would certainly have attracted more visitors with Need for Speed or Star Wars Jedi. But one could be glad that one did not have to queue somewhere, which is due to the differentiated concept of the EGX compared to gamescom.
Great variety also prevailed in the indie area. Long ago no longer distinguishable from large-scale productions, more than 70 independent developer studios from all over the world showed their projects at the EGX Berlin. Strategy, action, adventure games, puzzles, whether on console, PC or mobile phone – here everyone could browse and explore according to his preferences. Particularly appealing to visitors was the opportunity to enter into dialogue with the creatives and to discuss features and future projects.
In addition to the playable games, there was an extensive lecture program at the EGX Berlin. More than 80 speakers created almost 45 hours of content in over 40 podium discussions: from world-exclusive presentations (for example, to the new console Intellivision Amico or the game Endzone), to international panels with in-depth questions ("Can a video game make you cry?") to background stories from well known developers like Björn Pankratz, Matt Charles or Jon Hare. Also tips for career starters and discussions about communities were crowd pullers.
"The conception of EGX Berlin has always focused on games and their fans. The strong response to the many lectures and panel discussions, the positive development of our indie segment, both on the part of the exhibitors and the acceptance by the visitors, and the natural appeal of well-known brands and games make the EGX Berlin a high-dose, straightforward, but nonetheless colorful gaming experience, "says Oliver Menne, event director of EGX Berlin.
In the eSports area, the BIG (Counter-Strike, League of Legends) and Cihan Yasarlar (FIFA 20) clan masterclasses. Visitors could get tips from experts during the so called "Coaching", which can be improved by their own style of play. Also in the PS4 Tournament-Area, which was implemented in cooperation with Sony PlayStation, the coaching was in the center (for example in Rocket League or Call of Duty) and in the Instant Battles you could prove what you have learned directly.
The next EGX Berlin takes place from 30.10. to 1.11.2020 in the station Berlin instead.
