Gamescom 2026: Students Present Indie Games

Solve a murder case as a master detective, witness the consequences of stalking, or empathize with the inner conflicts of a struggling author. At the RAW TALENT booth, nine teams of students and alumni from the Technical University of Munich will showcase their projects and invite visitors to give them a try. Six of the nine games are the result of a collaboration with the University of Television and Film Munich (HFF) and therefore have a strong narrative focus.

In total, more than 60 projects will be on display at the RAW TALENT booth this year in an 80-square-meter space. Following its debut at gamescom 2024, the format is entering its third round. Back then, 17 student teams from three universities presented their projects in a space measuring just four square meters.

A Reality Check for Games and Students

gamescom is the world’s largest trade show for computer and video games and will take place from August 26 to 30, 2026. The Indie Area is considered a hotspot for independent game development and, with its numerous indie titles, offers great potential for true hidden gems. There, the Raw Talent booth gives student projects their own stage and the opportunity to present their games to a wide audience.

For students, gamescom is also an important step toward their professional careers and part of a purposefully designed learning process. This is because the gaming industry seeks almost exclusively people with experience—and that includes having presented a game at trade shows. At the same time, the booth serves as an educational experience, as students gain experience in organization, teamwork, and communication.