The gamescom is one of the most important gaming events in the world and naturally attracts numerous influencers. However, one of the largest German Twitch streamers, HandOfBlood, will stay at home – and that’s a cool thing.
The Twitch streamer HandOfBlood will not be present at gamescom this year either. He announced this through his management last week. In an interview, he now explained the reasons for his decision.
You can read the full conversation at GamesWirtschaft.
Meanwhile, HandOfBlood also presents games at such events through his publishing company:
From Stage to Stage Instead of Cheers on the Balcony
Why isn’t HandOfBlood at gamescom? In the original statement, they already mentioned the development of gamescom, moving away from the “real gaming fair” and towards a stronger focus on influencers. In the interview, the streamer elaborated on this.
HandOfBlood says he felt this development after the COVID-19 pandemic: “There was such a big shift towards a safari hunt for influencers at gamescom.” Previously, there had already been influencers at the fair, but the balance tipped, and influencer presence became more dominant.
This also refers to the notorious appearance of MontanaBlack at gamescom 2022: German Twitch streamer MontanaBlack was received like a world star at gamescom, even xQc was amazed.
The streamer also criticizes that many of the influencers present seem not to be very interested in the games and rather use the event as a meeting place: “I don’t want to be the gatekeeping type. But if the entire gamescom audience comes because of the influencers and not because of the games, then I personally find that very unfortunate as a gamer.”
HandOfBlood emphasizes that the development is not necessarily negative but simply a cultural shift; however, it probably does not align with how he understands his role as a gaming influencer:
I come from the generation of influencers where it was said: “Gamescom, now it’s going to be hard work. I will be whipped across the stages. There is no mercy. It’s not like: I chill at the Red Bull house and let myself be celebrated on the balcony; instead, I will be screaming at Square Enix.”
[…]
This whole trip to Cologne, staying in a hotel, little sleep, and a lot of physical exertion. Who am I telling this? Gamescom is just a total grueling job.
HandOfBlood via GamesWirtschaft
The worst part: HandOfBlood says he actually hardly noticed which games were presented due to the busy schedule at gamescom. And that’s what it’s actually supposed to be about: “I was always the guy who shot T-shirts out of a cannon. But I never noticed what new information about games was presented.”
Does it have any positive aspects? Actually yes. Because HandOfBlood still celebrates the gaming event – just from home in Spandau. There will likely be an “external reporter” on site again, while Hänno reacts and plays from his home setup.
This solution has several advantages, according to the streamer:
- The games are back in focus.
- HandOfBlood can save the exhausting trip.
- Even the customers are happy, as they had often asked in the past whether the stage appearance could be streamed, which wouldn’t have been worth it for the short time.
- And all this without financial losses, because the gamescom week is often for gaming influencers “revenue-wise like an additional fifth quarter,” according to HandOfBlood.
In short: According to HandOfBlood, the new approach is “even a cooler case for many.”
One downside remains, however, because: “You can’t do a signing session from the studio. That’s really something that hurts.”
What do you think of HandOfBlood’s approach? Would you prefer the influencers to be there in person as long as they report on the games? Let us know in the comments which streamer you would like to see have a similar gamescom show.
At MeinMMO, we handle gamescom similarly to HandOfBlood: While part of the editorial team is on-site, providing us with hot information, the rest keeps you updated from the home base. That’s why you can find with us: All info on times, tickets, program, and more for gamescom 2026
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