Games Ground Berlin 2026 returns

Games Ground Berlin returns to the Alte Münze from November 5 to 8, 2026, combining an industry trade fair with a public gaming festival. The former mint at Molkenmarkt 2 in central Berlin hosts two business days followed by two public days. The organizers call it one of Europe’s fastest-growing gaming, industry and community events, and last year’s edition drew more than 6,500 attendees.

Business days bring mentoring, publishers, and panels

The business days run Thursday, November 5, and Friday, November 6. Mentor Ground, Career Ground, Publisher Connect, and Indie Ground all return, with Publisher Connect matchmaking featuring SEGA and Raw Fury, among others. The stage program covers practical development topics, including a Unity session on multiplatform development and porting, a Kickstarter talk on game funding, a publishing panel, and several sessions on generative AI tools, creativity, and legal disclosure rules. Speakers include composer Austin Wintory, developer Rami Ismail, and staff from Ubisoft, CD Projekt Red, and Unknown Worlds. Evening networking mixers round out both days.

Dominion days gives strategy games a full hall

The public days follow on Saturday, November 7, and Sunday, November 8. The headline addition is Dominion days, a dedicated strategy hall powered by publisher Slitherine, which calls it the first strategy-only showcase of its kind in Europe. It offers playable games, developer talks, and two tournaments, one for Broken Arrow and one for Warhammer Blood Bowl. Saturday’s schedule also includes a panel on a yet-to-be-announced strategy game. A standard Games Ground ticket covers entry, with no separate Dominion days ticket required.

Cosplay, indie games, and live shows

Beyond strategy, the festival offers an indie games exhibition, XR experiences, a LAN area, and a section for trading cards and board games. The Cosplay Contest now has two categories, Origins and the new Extravaganza, with an open catwalk on Sunday. Crafting Com runs drop-in workshops on 3D printing, make-up, sewing, wig styling, and foam work in the Lichthof, and the pen and paper show QUEST brings a Dungeons & Dragons live show to The Forge on Sunday at noon, followed by a cast Q&A. Live music and stage shows run across both days. Tickets are sold through the official Games Ground website.

Darryl Linington - Tech Writer - 588 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2025

I’m a tech editor and journalist with more than 20 years of experience covering smartphones, AI, gaming hardware, and emerging technology. I’m passionate about making complex topics clear, engaging, and relevant—especially when they shape how we live, work, and play. I’m also an author with a love for psychological thrillers, horror, and honest, emotionally driven storytelling. My books include Drowning, 3:33 a.m., The Midnight Murderer, Keystrokes of Vengeance, and Life’s Too Short For This Sh!t!. Whether I’m writing about technology or fiction, my goal is always to connect with readers, spark thought, and leave a lasting impression. Inspired by my daughters and shaped by years of media experience, I bring curiosity and purpose to everything I write.