Advertisement
Barrier-free and fun: How Gamescom 2024 will be as pleasant and stress-free an experience as possible for wheelchair users.
Given the dense crowds, Gamescom is not necessarily a place that is ideal for wheelchair users. Nevertheless, anyone who is dependent on a wheelchair, crutches or other medical aids due to a physical limitation or disability should not be put off from visiting Gamescom.
Both the trade fair company and the exhibitors are making sure that the halls are as barrier-free as possible. For example, Microsoft will once again equip this year's Xbox stand with wheelchair ramps and the Xbox Adaptive Controller; some gaming stations have height-adjustable desks. Sign language support is also offered in German and English. The message: Gaming should be safe, inclusive and accessible to everyone.
As with all major events, it is advisable to plan your visit to Gamescom 2024 carefully in advance to avoid literal hurdles right from the start. The following tips can help you with this.
Advertisement
- Severely disabled people pay the significantly lower price for the “Reduced day ticket” (also applies to pupils, students, trainees, pensioners, social service workers). Price: 21 € on Thursday, Friday and Sunday – 30.50 € on Saturday. Attention: The tickets are exclusively in advance on the official website available – there are no other advance booking offices.
- Accompanying persons have free entry provided the symbol “B” is entered on the disability card. This ticket is issued free of charge on the day of the visit and after presentation and inspection of the proof at one of the counters in the entrance area, as Koelnmesse confirmed upon request.
- If you do not want to or cannot commit to a full day at the trade fair, we recommend Evening ticket: It costs €9.50 (Saturday: €11.50) and allows access from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- On the Exhibition parking spaces Separate parking spaces are reserved for people with disabilities directly on the site (North entrance: parking lot P20A – access via Messeallee / East and West entrance: under Piazza – access via Congress Center East / South entrance: Gate F / East entrance: P10 in Hall 10)
- Danger: Most of the platforms of the Cologne Messe/Deutz station (S-Bahn, U-Bahn, regional and long-distance transport) are not barrier-free – this applies to platforms 1, 2, 4, 5, 7 and 8. Please be sure to check www.bahn.dewhether your train arrives on platform 9 or 10, because there is an elevator there. At least: ramps and step-free walkways lead from the ICE platforms 11 and 12 to the Gamescom site.
- In principle, there is nothing against a Arriving by tram: The “Koelnmesse” stop on lines 3 and 4 provides barrier-free access to the East, South and West entrances.
- All four Inputs (East, West, North and South) are barrier-free – either at ground level or via elevator.
- If you medical help If you need medical assistance, there are several medical stations available during Gamescom – it is best to contact a trade fair employee.
- There is sufficient space throughout the site Disabled toilets – usually several per hall. Pay attention to the corresponding signs.
- The floors of the multi-storey halls (2, 3, 4, 5 and 10) can be reached by elevator.
- Many Exhibition stands are designed with ramps and wide corridors so that wheelchair users can easily move around the area and reach the gaming stations comfortably. Height-adjustable tables and special, handicapped-accessible hardware are often provided. New this year: for the first time, the organizers are requiring exhibitors to provide step-free access to the stand areas.
- To the Queues in front of gaming stations or autograph signing areas, you should contact the stand staff directly.
- For a deposit of 50 euros you can return to the Sanitätsstation Nord (Boulevard, Hall 7) Rent electric and manual wheelchairs – prior registration with Koelnmesse is required. Telephone number: 0221-821-3517
- If you have any questions or need support, the Fair guard (North Entrance / East Entrance). Otherwise, do not hesitate to speak to Koelnmesse staff or security directly.
- Download this hall plan on the topic of “Barrier-free trade fair visits”, save it on your smartphone and print it out so that you always have it to hand. It lists first aid stations, elevators, toilets, entrances and important telephone numbers.
Do you have further tips and suggestions on the topic of “Gamescom and accessibility”? We look forward to your comments – or simply send us an email.
You can find all information about Gamescom 2024 from August 21 to 25 in our extensive Gamescom section – including details on exhibitors, games, tickets, dates and events and much more.