Information for Game designers
For you as an author this creates a compact meeting point in NCC Mitte, Level 1 for exchange about your game ideas. Present your game prototypes to the specialist editors and publishers and set the course for your next game release.
Tips for your participation
Stefan Freund (game designer) and Wolfgang Lüdtke (game editor at Kosmos) share their recommendations for the International Game Inventors Fair. The conversation was led by Selina Vollrath (Digital Marketing Manager of Spielwarenmesse eG).
Many thanks to our 2026 editions's sponsors
What can you expect as a game designer?
- Embedded in the international network of the Spielwarenmesse, a place is created for exchanging ideas among everyone involved in the creation of games, as well as the specialist press.
- At the Game Inventors Fair you will meet the specialists to whom you can present your game ideas.
- On site we will support you:
- the long-standing experts of the International Game Inventors Fair Haar, Christian Fürst Brunner and Tom Werneck, of the Bavarian Game Archive Haar e. V., with questions about publishing games.
- the team of Spielwarenmesse eG with questions about the event or if you wish organisational help.
Schedule for planning your visit
8:15 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.: Set-up of the presentation table
9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.: Game Inventors Fair
6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.: GamingHour – the game party for networking and continuing to play!
If the following statements apply to you, participating is worthwhile for you
- I want to expand or build up my network in the gaming scene.
- I have tested my games not only with family and friends but also with experienced players. I have already implemented their honest feedback in the prototypes.
- I want further constructive criticism, even if I then have to fundamentally revise my game idea.
- I plan time for the preparation and follow-up of my participation:
- Create promotional material to give to interested game editors.
- Practice an elevator pitch to explain my game idea and its special features in 3 minutes.
- Proactively contact suitable publishers in advance to arrange appointments.
- Follow up all newly gained contacts. Possibly send further prototypes.
What you should bring
- Playable, new prototypes – one or several (up to three), as you wish.
- Friendliness and the ability to engage visitors in conversation.
- Plenty of business cards.
- A good mood.
The prototype portrait is your joker to attract game editors
- A short and snappy game description will arouse curiosity.
- About 5 sentences per prototype.
- Your prototype portrait is the core element for the preparation of the event by the game editorial team. Therefore registration is valid only with a fully completed portrait.
- We are currently revising the prototype portrait. From September we will send the links to the online input form to everyone who has paid their participation fee.
Present your game ideas to international game publishing houses
Register as an author for the International Game Inventors Fair. From October you will receive a link to fill in your prototype portrait online.
Your registration is binding. Reservations and conditions are not permitted upon registration.
The application deadline ends on 15 December 2026.
You will receive your official confirmation of participation from November 2026 by email.
Participation fee
Participation package 1 / 150€ plus VAT: 1 person, double table
Included: admission to the fair for one person, 2 presentation tables (total table surface: 150 x 90 cm) with 4 chairs, Wi‑Fi, entry in the online Game Inventors Guide of Spielwarenmesse (PDF), participation in the GamingHour – the networking party
Participation package 2 / 170€ plus VAT: 2 persons, double table
Included: admission to the fair for two persons, 2 presentation tables (total table surface: 150 x 90 cm) with 4 chairs, Wi Fi, entry in the online Game Inventors Guide of Spielwarenmesse (PDF), participation in the GamingHour – the networking party
NOTE: Access to power sockets must be ordered separately.
Other forms of participation
Is one day at the trade fair not long enough? There are also other ways for you to participate in the Spielwarenmesse.
- For first-time exhibitors: New Exhibitor Package
- For game inventors: Startup-Area
- For those interested in a trade fair stand: Stand space from 9 m²
- For those interested in a digital trade fair presence: Digital participation
