This August, we packed our bags and headed to Gamescom in Cologne, one of the world's largest gaming events to connect, learn, and share our passion project, AIRA VR.
While we didn't have an official booth this time, we made the most of being on the show floor: meeting fellow indie developers, exchanging stories, and getting inspired by the incredible creativity on display. Gamescom is a hub for fresh ideas and big dreams, and being surrounded by people just as obsessed with building worlds as we are felt like fuel for our next steps.
We also had the opportunity to speak directly with industry professionals from companies like Unity, discussing performance, optimization, and future development strategies. These conversations were not only insightful but also motivating, reminding us we're on the right path and giving us concrete ways to grow.
Of course, we couldn't leave without sharing AIRA VR with the people we met. Throughout the event, we handed out free promotion codes, giving developers, testers, and curious players a chance to experience our game firsthand. It was exciting to see their interest and hear their first impressions, even outside of a VR setup.
One of our favorite stops was the LÄND booth, hosted by MFG Baden-Württemberg. It was great to see our home state represented with such a strong lineup of creative talent. We connected with other developers from the region, learned about upcoming funding and networking opportunities, and even ran into some familiar faces from our university days, now working on their own exciting game projects. The booth felt like a small hub of familiar faces and local pride—our own little home base in the middle of the Gamescom madness.
Gamescom was intense, energizing, and absolutely worth the trip. We left with new connections, fresh ideas, and a renewed sense of purpose. A huge thank-you to everyone who took the time to chat.
