Dear Mr. Schoubye,
Dear visitors of the Hamburg Games Conference 2024,
The venue of this conference, the Altonaer Museum, focuses on the art and cultural history of Hamburg and Northern Germany going back many centuries.
Games and gaming are a more recent chapter in this history, but a lively one.
As a traditional port city, Hamburg is well connected to the rest of the world.
The games industry has become part of this international network of business and creativity.
180 games companies are based in Hamburg, forming a strong ecosystem of start-ups, established companies and market leaders.
The city supports the games sector with funding programs and university courses.
As a result, Hamburg is one of the biggest games cities in Europe – and a great place for one of the industry's most important get-togethers.
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,
The games market is a dynamic sector of the digital economy.
More than half of all people in Germany play games regularly.
During the pandemic, growth rates in the German games sector were spectacular, for example more than 30% in 2020.
Many people who discovered gaming during this time are still enjoying it, but the industry is also affected by the overall economy.
Inflation and higher interest rates are affecting consumer spending and business decisions.
Many companies are now in the process of adjusting to these changing circumstances.
At a time like this, the Hamburg Games Conference is a great opportunity for professionals, industry leaders and young talent to come together.
You will receive input from expert speakers and panels, discuss new business models, current trends and challenges.
This year's conference theme "Invest in Games" is a strong and optimistic message for the future.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your presence, the impressive line-up of guests and participants, is a testament to the quality and importance of the Hamburg Games Conference.
We are delighted to have you here this week.
I wish you a great conference with many interesting conversations, valuable insights, new friends and partners, and a good time in our beautiful city.
Thank you very much.