Our Story
Since 2013
Indie Arena Booth was founded in 2013 by developers who wanted to show their games at conventions but couldn't afford the space. What started with 45 square meters and a few teams has become the biggest curated indie booth at gamescom, with more than 2,000 square meters and usually over 200 games from more than 40 countries.
Our mission hasn't changed: to give independent developers from all over the world the best possible stage to present their games to publishers, press, content creators and players, and to keep that stage affordable. Every year, an external jury of industry professionals reviews the submissions, and together we put together a lineup of the most exciting new indie games.
IAB is also about bringing people together. We create networking opportunities for developers, host curated country delegations and publishers, and since 2026 we also present the Indie Arena Booth European Games Showcase at POLARIS in Hamburg, highlighting the diversity of Europe's indie scene.
We're always looking for partners who share our passion for indie games. Get in touch at team@indiearenabooth.de.
Timeline
2025
Indie Arena Booth 2025 Recap
Location
gamescom, Cologne
Booth Size
2,037 m²
Countries
38
Developers
197
Indie Arena Booth returns to gamescom with 2,037.5 m² dedicated to indie games, its largest footprint to date.
- 197 participating developers
- Booth size: 2,037.5 m²
- Expanded B2B networking and publisher meetings
- Increased streaming coverage and press access
2024
Indie Arena Booth 2024 Recap
Location
gamescom, Cologne
Booth Size
1,500 m²
Countries
37
Developers
170
Indie Arena Booth featured 170 developers from 37 countries across 1,500 m², with new formats for community voting, press previews, and developer workshops.
- 170 indie games from 37 countries
- Developer workshops on funding and publishing
- Expanded publisher matchmaking sessions
2023
Indie Arena Booth 2023 Recap
Location
gamescom, Cologne
Booth Size
1,500 m²
Countries
30
Developers
154
Indie Arena Booth returned to its full 1,500 m² setup at gamescom, featuring 154 developers from 30 countries.
- 154 developers showcasing their games
- 1,500 m² booth space at gamescom
2022
Indie Arena Booth 2022 Recap
Location
gamescom, Cologne
Booth Size
1,500 m²
Countries
33
Developers
124
After two years of digital editions, Indie Arena Booth returned to gamescom in Cologne with 124 developers, combining the physical booth with online elements.
- First in-person edition since 2019
- 124 developers showcasing their games
- Hybrid format with both on-site and online presence
2021
Indie Arena Booth 2021 Recap
Location
gamescom, Online
Format
Online
Countries
34
Developers
119
With in-person events still not possible, Indie Arena Booth returned as a fully digital showcase featuring 119 developers.
- 119 games presented online
- Virtual booth with playable demos
- Global streaming across major platforms
- Online B2B meetings and networking
2020
Indie Arena Booth 2020 Recap
Location
gamescom, Online
Format
Online
Countries
52
Developers
171
When gamescom moved online due to the pandemic, Indie Arena Booth shifted to a fully digital format. The event featured 171 developers from 52 countries, the largest lineup to date.
- First fully digital Indie Arena Booth
- 171 developers from 52 countries
- Live streams across Twitch and YouTube
- New formats for online showcasing and matchmaking
2019
Indie Arena Booth 2019 Recap
Location
gamescom, Cologne
Booth Size
1,500 m²
Countries
37
Developers
102
The Indie Arena Booth grew to 1,500 m², introduced a dedicated B2B area, and featured 102 developers showcasing their games.
- Booth size increased to 1,500 m²
- B2B area introduced at the booth
- 102 developers presenting their games
2018
Indie Arena Booth 2018 Recap
Location
gamescom, Cologne
Booth Size
1,013 m²
Countries
26
Developers
78
The Indie Arena Booth covered 1,013 m² at gamescom and introduced a streaming studio for the first time.
- First streaming studio at the booth
- First larger sponsor partnerships
2017
Indie Arena Booth 2017 Recap
Location
gamescom, Cologne
Booth Size
1,000 m²
Developers
80+
The Indie Arena Booth expanded to around 1000 sqm at gamescom, marking a major step up in size and visibility for the showcase.
- Booth expanded to around 1,000 m²
- Games from the booth received indie award nominations
- Growing international media coverage
2016
Indie Arena Booth 2016 Recap
Location
gamescom, Cologne
Developers
60+
The Indie Arena Booth continued to grow, with a larger and more refined booth setup at gamescom.
- Larger booth space
- Improved exhibition setup for showcasing games
- Growing number of participating developers
2015
Indie Arena Booth 2015 Recap
Location
gamescom, Cologne
Developers
42
The booth continued to grow and attracted more developers from outside Germany. Media attention around the showcased games also increased.
- Larger group of international developers
- Growing coverage from games media
- Developer meetups and community events becoming a part of the booth
2014
Indie Arena Booth 2014 Recap
Location
gamescom, Cologne
Developers
12
The second year continued as a developer-led initiative. Twelve indie games were showcased, with more structure around how teams were supported during the event.
- 12 indie games showcased
- Continued developer initiative
- First support structures for participating teams
2013
Indie Arena Booth 2013 Recap
Location
gamescom, Cologne
Developers
10
The Indie Arena Booth started as a small handmade exhibition space at gamescom, organized by developers who wanted to showcase their games together.
- First Indie Arena Booth at gamescom
- Built and organized by developers
- Small DIY exhibition space for indie games