Gamescom returned to Cologne, Germany, with some of the gaming industry’s most anticipated upcoming releases on display, ranging from major franchises to projects created by small independent studios.

Considered the world’s largest in-person gaming event, Gamescom attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Koelnmesse exhibition centre each year. More than 350,000 people attended last year, and this year’s event was expected to draw an even larger crowd.

Among the major games showcased were a new expansion for The Witcher 3 and Alien: Isolation 2, giving players an opportunity to discover what some of the industry’s biggest developers have planned.

Major gaming companies including Xbox and Sega were also present, showcasing upcoming titles and experiences directly to the public.

However, Gamescom is not limited to the industry’s largest publishers. Independent studios, including teams consisting of just one or two developers, also had an opportunity to present their projects alongside established gaming brands.

The combination of blockbuster releases and smaller independent games remains an important part of the Gamescom experience, allowing visitors to explore a broad range of ideas and developments across the industry.

For a sixth-time attendee, the event once again offered an exciting look at the future of gaming and the creativity of developers working across studios of all sizes.

With huge crowds, anticipated sequels, major expansions and innovative independent projects, Gamescom continues to demonstrate why it remains one of the most significant events on the global gaming calendar.