Submission & Application

⁉️ Oh noes, I didn’t receive a confirmation mail! Did I submit correctly?
Please log into the backend and check your dashboard. If you scroll down, you should see your application with the status “waiting for response.”

⁉️ When will submissions close?
Submissions close on April 13 at midnight CEST.

⁉️Can multiple people administrate an application?
Yes! Please add them to the company you created in the backend.

⁉️Can I edit my submission afterwards?
Yes! You can edit your submission at any time. The backend will notify our jury members if an exhibit has changed after they’ve rated it.

⁉️ What’s your stance on AI in game development?
Oy, trick question! We know that the use of generative AI can make some processes easier, especially in early phases and for small teams. However, we believe that humans should do the main work in any game, and that artists and writers in particular should be fairly paid.

We’ll ask about your use of AI in the game, so please be as detailed as possible. Make sure to disclose any use of AI in the current state of the project, and let us know whether it was used as a quick fix or if, and how, you’re planning to use it in the final game.

⁉️ My project is superduper secret and I don’t want to submit (but I also want to be part of Indie Arena Booth)
Our amazing jury signs FrieNDAs to remind them not to talk about, write about, or publish anything related to the submissions. However, if you require a more legally binding NDA from your studio, please get in touch with us and we can arrange for some of our jury members to sign a document for you.

⁉️ My project is still secret. Will it be shown publicly if I’m selected?
You have full control over what is communicated publicly once you’re part of the Indie Arena Booth lineup. If your project is still under embargo, we can exclude it from public materials such as the lineup trailer or press kit. Just let us know in advance and we’ll make sure to handle it accordingly. It will still be shown at gamescom though.

⁉️ My game was rejected in a previous year. Can I submit it again?
Absolutely. Many games evolve a lot over time, so we encourage teams to submit again if the project has progressed since the last submission. Just make sure to highlight what has changed or improved since the previous version.

⁉️ My game is already released. Can I still submit?
Yes. We usually feature a mix of games in different stages: early development, close to release, and recently released titles. As long as your game is still relevant for showcasing at gamescom, you’re welcome to submit it.


Booth & Exhibition

⁉️ Can I showcase multiple games in one booth?
You can only showcase the game our jury selected. If you’d like to showcase multiple games, please submit multiple applications.

⁉️ Do I get the booth type I applied for?
We try to accommodate your booth type preferences and will never change them without asking first. However, we have limited spots for each type, so we might ask if you’d be willing to switch. You can also apply for multiple types and let us know which one you’d prefer.

⁉️ Do you offer any discounts on booths?
At this point, we unfortunately don’t offer discounts. However, we do have some free curated booth spots available. You can find more info here:
https://indiearenabooth.de/freebooths2025

⁉️ Is a PC included in the offer?
No, PCs are not included.

⁉️ Can I rent a PC?
Yes! We don’t know the prices yet, though. Last year it was around 300€.

⁉️ Can I showcase mobile or VR games at the booth?
Generally, yes. However, VR games can only be showcased within our Big Booth spaces. Mobile games work with any booth type. Please note that we can’t provide hardware for VR or mobile games.

⁉️ Can I showcase multiplayer games?
Yes, sure thing. We recommend booking a Big Booth, as it provides more space and players won’t disturb neighbouring booths as easily. Please also note that internet access is not included in the booth price, so we strongly recommend showcasing local multiplayer games only.

⁉️ Is there internet at the booth?
Yes… but also no. We provide exhibitor WiFi, but it’s not reliable enough to run a game. Please don’t count on the German internet in general.

⁉️ What furniture is included in the booth?
The amount of furniture depends on the booth type.

Arcade Booth and Small Booth do not include furniture, but you can rent bar stools later via the backend store.
Nintendo Switch Booth includes one bar stool. Additional stools can be rented later.
Big Booths include one table, one chair, and a tablecloth. Additional furniture can be rented later as well.

⁉️ What equipment is included in the booth?
All booth types include the basics needed to showcase your game: one monitor, one keyboard, one mouse, and one pair of headphones.

The booth setup also includes electricity, carpet, a back wall, lighting, print, snacks and drinks, and access to a shared storage shelf.

⁉️ How many exhibitor tickets are included?
Small Booth, Arcade Booth, and Nintendo Switch Booth include one exhibitor ticket.

Big Booth includes two exhibitor tickets.
Additional exhibitor tickets can be purchased later.


Technical Support & Login Issues

⁉️ I can’t log into the backend.
Please try this link: https://indiearenabooth.de/login and use Google Chrome.

⁉️ I didn’t receive an activation email for my IAB backend account.
Please email us at team(at)indiearenabooth.de with the email address you used, and we’ll fix it.

⁉️ My question wasn’t answered here. How can I reach you?
You can reach us on our Discord or via email at team@indiearenabooth.de.