Why I’d Go Back to Gamescom
I went to gamescom in Cologne two weeks ago. Old news by now, but I’ve never been quick about writing things down anyway. And since this blog basically disappeared for a bit, I figured I’d post the nice photos and talk about which games actually got to me.
Wednesday was my day. Panic attacks and crowds don’t mix, and I’ve learned that the hard way too many times. So I went when it was less insane, hit what I wanted to hit, and didn’t have to feel my chest caving in. Simple strategy.
Fallout 4 hit me hard. People complaining about the graphics don’t understand what Fallout is about. It’s never been about realistic pixels. It’s about the world, the people in it, the mysteries, finding your own story in all of it. That’s what the game has always been.
I watched the Heavensward presentation for Final Fantasy XIV. I’ve been playing that game obsessively for weeks now. I tank, which means I’m constantly failing despite actually trying. I can’t explain why I keep going back to it, but I do. Maybe I’ll figure out how to be competent eventually.
Nintendo had their usual shrine of childhood. Super Mario Maker, Star Fox Zero, Zelda Tri Force Heroes. Walking through that sent me back, made me want it again. Might be time to finally get a Wii U, or maybe I should wait for whatever comes next.
I missed the Horizon Zero Dawn presentation, which I’m still annoyed about—the trailer had genuinely interested me. Spent some time with Anno 2205 and the first episode of Life is Strange, both fine. Got completely demolished at Street Fighter V by someone who actually knew what they were doing. These giant arcade controllers don’t work with me. The Super Nintendo version was definitely easier.
Best part was the social stuff. Met up with Maik from Langweileidch.Netz, we crashed the EA party, then hit the YouTube party after. Talked with Tim from Pixelburg about where podcasts are going. Watched the Rocket Beans guys doing their thing. Found this weird Belgian game called Guns, Gore & Cannoli that was worth playing. Slept at a Holiday Inn Express just outside the city. Nothing fancy—WiFi worked, breakfast was fine, and Beyoncé was inexplicably playing in the lobby.
Would I go back next year? Yeah. Not for the PR people screaming into mics, not for free garbage keychains, not for waiting in line to watch ten minutes of gameplay. But because gamescom reminds you that games actually pull people together. All kinds of people. Different ages, different backgrounds, different everything. All in one place caring about the same thing. That’s the real reason to go back.