Leipzig Will “give up in a few months” According To Rival Trade Show

I had no idea the world of trade-shows could be this bitchy! Perhaps something was lost in translation, but a few remarks have surfaced over the date clash between the Leipzig Games Convention and the Cologne-based Gamescom.

A few days ago, Gamescom changed the dates of it’s first attempt at putting on a videogame trade show to match those of Leipzig, claiming the clash was pure coincidence. But it’s looking like their true colours are starting to show. Talking to MCV, the BIU of Koelnmesse (the organisers of Gamescom), Oliver P. Kuhrt has already claimed the death of the 200,000+ Leipzig event.

It’s much more convenient, especially for the trade, to use this new date in August. All the members of the BIU are backing Cologne ‘“ they represent over 80 per cent of the market. I am absolutely sure that in two or three months’ time Leipzig will announce its withdrawal from the market ‘“ because nobody is going to be there.

There is no chance of doing something at the same time as Gamescom because the entire industry has committed itself to come to Cologne. You have to accept that the trade has decided to move elsewhere.

Leipzig can print as many brochures as they like ‘“ but I’m sure they’ll give up in a few months.

Ouch.  Leipzig GC’s Wolfgang Marzin quickly replied by saying that “Leipzig is the competent and reliable partner for the games community”. He then pointed out that Gamescom doesn’t actually exist yet, as their first show hasn’t happened.

With Leipzig growing year on year, it does strike me as rather odd that an event which has yet to have it’s frist show would make such direct competition. I somewhat doubt Gamescom would have gained so much industry support in the first place if it had gone up against Leipzig in the first place.