Gamescom Latam returns to Brazil this month with the hope of drawing attention to the region’s rise as a fast-growing global gaming hub.
The Latin American edition of the world’s largest gaming event, returns to São Paulo, Brazil, from April 29 to May 3. Last year’s event drew more than 131,000 people to Brazil’s biggest city, which is one of the homes for game development. (Check out our profiles of Brazil game companies that came to GDC).
As the industry navigates a shifting global landscape, Latin America is emerging as a key driver of growth, combining scale, engagement, and increasing production capabilities. With 372.3 million players and projected revenues of $8.3 billion in 2025, the region continues to outperform more mature markets in expansion rate, according to market research firm Newzoo.
The $8.3 billion figure for 2025 represents 6.4% growth for the year, with an average spend per player of $48.5 in Latin America. The 372.3 million players represents 4.5% growth from a year earlier, Newzoo said.
The growth is balanced, with mobile game revenues expanding the fastest at 7.8 percent up from a year ago while PC and console growth is hitting $2 billion for Latin America this year. By 2028, global forecasts show consistent growth across every region and platform, underscoring gaming’s resilience as one of the most dynamic industries worldwide.
A market defined by scale, engagement, and growth
Latin America represents a powerful convergence of audience size and engagement. With a population exceeding 662 million, the region offers a vast and highly active player base.
Brazil stands at the center of this opportunity. More than 80% of its population considers gaming their primary form of entertainment (based on 2024 Brazilian Game Industry Survey), generating approximately $2.7 billion in revenue and ranking among the top gaming markets worldwide.
At the same time, Latin America is gaining global recognition as a production hub. The region now hosts over 1,200 studios, including more than 1,000 in Brazil alone, contributing to both original IP creation and triple-A external development pipelines.
Gamescom Latam: A strategic gateway to Latin America
As part of the global Gamescom network—alongside events in Cologne and Asia—Gamescom Latam 2026 provides companies with a unique entry point into this high-growth market, while connecting them to a broader international ecosystem.
Hosted at Distrito Anhembi in São Paulo, the event serves as a central platform for business development, international expansion, and cross-market collaboration.
A dedicated matchmaking program is expected to generate approximately $150 million in business opportunities and facilitate around 2,000 meetings, reinforcing Gamescom Latam’s role as a key deal-making hub for the global industry.
Driving industry conversations through conference program
gamescom latam 2026 will feature approximately 150 B2B sessions, covering key topics shaping the future of the industry, including:
- Investment and publishing strategies
- Artificial intelligence and production pipelines
- Transmedia and IP development
- Workforce transformation and talent development
- Public policy and regional market dynamics
The event will welcome international delegations from major global markets—including Canada, France and Germany —further reinforcing its role as a bridge between established industries and high-growth regions.
I’ll be moderating a panel entitled, “Inside Global Game Publishing: How Publishers Build and Scale Games Worldwide.” It takes place at 3 p.m. on May 1, with speakers including John Hendry — Business Manager, Kepler Interactive; Connor Jones — Senior Games Scout (PC & Console), Kwalee; Pim Holfve, CEO, Raw Fury; and Alison Sluiter — Senior Business Manager, Sony Interactive Entertainment America.
Global industry leaders and high-profile speakers
The 2026 edition will host a broad range of leading companies across the games value chain, including Blizzard Entertainment, Microsoft (Xbox Game Studios), Nintendo, Riot Games, Sony Interactive Entertainment, and more, alongside prominent independent publishers and service providers.
The event will also feature renowned industry figures and creative talent, including:
- Brendan Greene (PlayerUnknown), creator of PUBG: Battlegrounds
- David Wise, legendary video game composer
Both will participate in panels and sessions, sharing insights on their careers and perspectives on the evolving games industry.
“Latin America combines scale, growth, and creative potential in a way few regions do today,” said Eliana Russi, chief programming officer, Gamescom Latam, in a statement. “As part of the global gamescom network, gamescom latam offers companies a unique opportunity to access this market while connecting it to a broader global ecosystem. It is where international players can understand the region, build partnerships, and actively participate in the next phase of growth of the games industry.”
2026 Edition Overview
Gamescom Latam 2026 will take place from 29 April to 3 May 2026 at Distrito Anhembi, in São Paulo. Press, content creators, and B2B visitors will have access to the event during the preview day, held on 29 April.
As in previous years, the event will bring together leading names and companies from the games industry, showcase hundreds of playable titles, host major announcements, brand and publisher activations, and connect fans with their favourite influencers, cosplayers, and more.
The event will also feature exciting esports competitions and the gamescom latam BIG Festival, the world’s largest indie games awards.
For industry professionals, in addition to panels and lectures, gamescom latam offers a dynamic business platform that brings together hundreds of companies from Latin America and around the world, fostering networking and partnership opportunities.
Disclosure: Gamescom Latam is paying my way to the event, where I will moderate a session.