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From Gamescom 2024, exhibitors must voluntarily ensure step-free access to the stand areas.
Ramps, wide aisles, trained staff, height-adjustable gaming stations, special controllers: For exhibitors such as Microsoft Xbox, barrier-free exhibition stands have been standard for several years. But if you look around the Gamescom halls, you will notice that not all stands and areas are equipped accordingly – raised areas and stairs often prove to be insurmountable obstacles.
This is set to change starting at Gamescom 2024 (21 to 24 August in Cologne). Because with the new accessibility guidelines The organizers want to oblige all companies and institutions to make the stay for “people with reduced mobility and wheelchair users” to improve or even make it possible. In short: Gamescom should become more accessible – literally.
The new minimum standards include the integration of step-free access in the entrance area of the stand (mandatory for a height difference of 2 centimeters or gradient of less than 10 percent). For a height of 19 centimeters or more, fall protection by means of side edges and a handrail is also required.
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The organizers (Koelnmesse and industry association) also recommend:
- Height-adjustable gaming stations with tiltable screens
- sufficient space so that even larger wheelchairs can turn and navigate safely
- step-free access to stages
- separate areas for wheelchair users in front of the stages
- separate queues and priority treatment for wheelchair users
- Non-slip and easy to walk/drive on floor coverings
- sufficient seating
- accessible information for people with disabilities (such as signs in Braille)
- Trained personnel
- Accessible hardware (if applicable in individual cases)
- Adequate lighting and signage
- Trailer, stage shows and live stream in German and English and sign language
GamesWirtschaft-Tip: Severely disabled people pay the significantly lower price for the “Reduced day ticket” (also applies to schoolchildren, students, trainees, pensioners, social workers). Tickets are only available in advance on the official website. Accompanying persons have free entry provided the symbol “B” is entered on their disability card.
We have compiled further tips and tricks for wheelchair users and people with disabilities relating to Gamescom 2024 in this article.
Gamescom 2024 starts on August 20 with Gamescom: Opening Night Live – the trade fair on the Koelnmesse site runs from August 21 to August 24. All information about Gamescom 2024 (tickets, opening times, exhibitors, games, shows, etc.) can be found daily at GamesWirtschaft.