GG Bavaria 2025: In Munich the nerdtum was celebrated and in the middle I convince myself of why this fair grows so quickly

Yes, Cologne and theirsare already the gaming experience of the year in Germany. But if you really want to be close to the developers and don't necessarily want to spend four hours in line for a game or merch - and then also live in Bavaria, then there may not be quite as many contact points. Games-Bavaria already recognized this three years ago and awakened theto life. An experience for gaming and anime fans as well as nerds of all kinds, as I found on site.

The GG Bavaria changed its location for the third time this year, this time to the small Olympic hall because the fair has grown too quickly. Visited this year6200 peopleThe one and a half halls large fair and broke the record for the third time. I stand in the middle of it, I am from Cologne and this number does not tear me off the socks compared to gamescom. But I realize how important it is for people to have a point to come together. You can find a whole overview of the fair in a tour of guests, such as the team lead of the Games-BavariaRobin Rottmann, Different developers and creative minds in the video above.

I think the focus on indie games is exactly right, because unlike in the very popular indie-arena-booth, there is enough space here to really talk to developers after playing with developers, but also with other appearances. It is also a welcome occasion for the local promotion of the industry. It's a good thing that a business day the day before the fair has already been introduced. In addition, I wonder why the GG Bavaria struggles on its own, after all, Bavaria has the most and largest employers in Germany in the video game area. The employees alone would cover such visitor numbers.

At the fair, however, I don't see any stands of the very big ones: neither Travian Games nor Upiers, Aesir Interactive, Handy Games or Hologate. Too bad, because there are also many lectures on training in the gaming area and stands that promise a smooth start into professional life. However, the trade fair is familiar with the fact that Bavaria still promotes many developers, exhibitors and creatives, among other things by being able to issue and are financially supported here. For me it is very positive.

For example, my highlights were the indie gameAquapark Tycoon, about whose water physics I was finally able to talk to a developer for a long time and in detail, because I have had this water park simulation on the screen for a long time. Then I discovered a comic artist at the dealer stands withExo ParadiseLive out his creative vision of a cyber punk fantasy and breaks the limits of the web comics without relying on follower numbers or virality. Or a few tables full ofwhere children with their parents are probably playing old games together for the first time, likeLotus Turbo Challenge 2can experience.

These are just three of the many examples of encounters that I lack more and more at the big trade fairs because they are overshadowed by large blockbusters, influential influencers and attention-catching stand buildings with a lot of budget. Good for everyone who comes from Munich and the surrounding area to enjoy real community again.