Leipzig 2009 'still going ahead'

Despite the relocation of the official German Federal Association for Entertainment Software games convention to Cologne, Leipziger Messe boss vows its event will continue.

Earlier this year, the head of the Bundesverband Interaktive Unterhaltungssoftware (German Federal Association for Entertainment Software) announced that it would be moving its official annual games convention away from Leipzig, and would be renaming it GamesCon. Given that the Leipzig fair owns the rights to the name Games Convention, the event had to choose a new moniker.

The Games Convention was previously held at Leipziger Messe, but the head of the BIU, Olaf Wolters, stated that the venue would be changing due to a lack of infrastructure--including hotel rooms and international flights--in the area. Cologne was picked as the new destination, and Wolters hopes that the event will now grow again in attendance figures.

It was presumed that the Games Convention would not return in 2009, but today the Leipzig organisers announced that it will be staying put, and that there will be a Leipzig next year.

Leipziger Messe boss Wolfgang Marzin released a statement today saying, "The GC Games Convention is not moving." Marzin said that the event would "continue to pursue its international strategy."

The first Leipzig Games Convention took place in 2002, and is usually held in the last week of August. In 2007, around 185,000 visitors attended, and there were talks by industry luminaries including Denis Dyack, Peter Molyneux, and Jeff Strain.

This year's Leipzig Convention, which is the last to be run with the full support of the BIU, is taking place from August 21 to August 24, and will be "even more international." The business area will also expand by 25 percent.

17 Comments

  • Ryguy4738

    Posted Aug 2, 2009 1:59 pm PT

    I'll watch it on G4...

  • android_M

    Posted Jun 28, 2008 1:13 pm PT

    "Bundesverband Interaktive Unterhaltungssoftware"

    Trying saying that ten times fast.....

  • coolcats1

    Posted Jun 27, 2008 8:11 am PT

    whats this all abou?

  • fishnpeas1

    Posted Jun 27, 2008 7:48 am PT

    Last year was the first year I missed it (working for the big S had its perks :p) But I will be going for the first time as non staff this year - and it looks to be the last!

  • mrklorox

    Posted Jun 26, 2008 6:50 pm PT

    Somebody needs to organize a metal+games festival.

  • panteral3

    Posted Jun 26, 2008 6:24 pm PT

    Das ist Gut, ya?

    Oh, and DRXgamer93- holla holla

  • DRXgamer93 posted Jun 26, 2008 4:09 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    DRXgamer93

    Posted Jun 26, 2008 4:09 pm PT (hide)

    dude who gives what nintendos doing its all bout PS3 YAEEEYAEEE
    WHOEVER AGREES HOLLA baCK

  • cheerios3d

    Posted Jun 26, 2008 1:47 pm PT

    I have no worries I know the show will still be a blast.

  • combatsoldier

    Posted Jun 26, 2008 12:44 pm PT

    I hope there is a live broadcast because if i cant be there. I atleast want to see what im missing.

  • EiRoGGe

    Posted Jun 26, 2008 11:49 am PT

    Go Leipzig!

  • Ah_joy_lunch

    Posted Jun 26, 2008 10:42 am PT

    Hmm, puzzling, it should still be quite a show though.

  • daruniaz

    Posted Jun 26, 2008 9:39 am PT

    I'm quite curious what Nintendo will do next year... they cancelled their stand for this year. Hopefully they'll be back in 2009

  • Dwaaskie

    Posted Jun 26, 2008 8:58 am PT

    I'm going to that!

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