Success at the GAMESCOM 2026

The Bundeswehr has given a positive assessment of its presence at GAMESCOM 2026 in Cologne. Once again this year, more than 60,000 visitors took advantage of the world’s largest trade show for computer and video games and consumer electronics to stop by the Bundeswehr’s booth and learn about the wide range of military and civilian career opportunities.

The Bundeswehr has been represented at GAMESCOM since 2016. In the “gamescom Jobs & Career” area, it presented itself—even in its tenth year—as a modern and versatile employer. On a booth area of approximately 260 square meters, visitors gained insights into the various areas of responsibility and career profiles within the Bundeswehr.

The organizer, Köln Messe, reports a new visitor record. The head of the Bundeswehr’s recruitment organization, Brigadier General Walter Schulte, also gave a positive assessment:

“For us, GAMESCOM 2026 was once again a complete success! With our further-refined booth concept—featuring even more authentic information, discussion, and hands-on activities, ranging from one-on-one conversations to a flight simulation in an immersive room—we were able to inspire even more people than last year.”

Over 60,000 people visited the booth and learned about the Bundeswehr in general and its diverse development and career opportunities. During the event, the Bundeswehr was able to establish further personal contact with approximately 2,000 people. “This makes our 10th anniversary at Gamescom a special milestone and shows that we’re on the right track with our offering to experience the Bundeswehr authentically,” said Brigadier General Schulte.

Among the most popular exhibits and hands-on activities this year were the state-of-the-art CARACAL military vehicle, a live hacking station from the Center for Cyber Operations, a simulator for military air traffic control operated by the Army Aviation Corps, and a VR experience where visitors could use VR headsets to get a 360-degree view of life aboard a German Navy frigate. The offerings were complemented by additional stations and a career lounge, where career counselors conducted one-on-one consultations.

“We simply have to be where our target audience is and show what it means to stand up for our country’s freedom—whether as a soldier or in a civilian role,” says Lieutenant General Robert Sieger, President of the Federal Office for Personnel Management of the Bundeswehr and Chief of Personnel for the Bundeswehr. For Lieutenant General Sieger, educating the public about the Bundeswehr and its various career fields is a key reason for having a Bundeswehr booth at GAMESCOM. “We are an integral part of our country’s security,” emphasizes General Sieger.

GAMESCOM and the Bundeswehr

With over 1,000 different job profiles, the Bundeswehr is one of Germany’s largest and most diverse employers. Technical expertise and the ability to confidently handle complex systems are particularly needed in areas such as cyber operations, software development, and electronic warfare.

GAMESCOM therefore offers the Bundeswehr the opportunity to engage directly with a tech-savvy target audience in particular.

Interest in the Bundeswehr as an employer remains high and continues to grow. As of July 31, the Bundeswehr recorded new highs in applications and hires, along with double-digit growth rates compared to the same month last year. As a result, the number of applications received for military positions is approximately 27 percent higher than last year’s level. Major events such as GAMESCOM help highlight the Bundeswehr’s diverse career opportunities and facilitate direct dialogue with interested individuals.

GAMESCOM online

BUNDESWEHR online