Levelling Up at Gamescom 2024: Discovering the Trends Shaping the Future
Levelling Up at Gamescom 2024: Discovering the Trends Shaping the Future
Fresh off Gamescom 2024, our International Sales Team has returned with valuable insights, observations, and strategies that are already shaping our approach for the coming year. From standout trends to the most memorable interactions, we’re sharing the behind-the-scenes highlights that show just how in tune we are with the evolving market landscape. Here’s what our team had to say!
What was your first impression of Gamescom this year, and what did you see that you think would excite our potential customers the most?
"The quality of the stands this year was impressive, creating a fantastic first impression. We saw a wide array of new releases and exciting licensed product categories that go beyond the usual gaming fare. This diversity is something our customers will find exciting, especially as we showcased offerings outside of the main gaming halls."
"Positioned in the business area, our stand was perfectly located for more focused, productive conversations. Our new product ranges, such as the fashion backpacks and 40oz tumblers, drew significant interest, and the visual setup of our booth was designed to maximize this impact. It was all about creating an environment where potential customers could see, feel, and understand the value of our products firsthand."
What industry trend did you see at Gamescom that you think will be a game-changer for our customers? How can we help them get ahead of the curve?
"We noticed a shift towards functional merchandise and more affordable collectibles. There’s a noticeable move away from purely decorative items towards products with practical applications. This trend aligns well with our current portfolio, but we’re not stopping there. We’re exploring new categories to ensure our customers always have access to the most relevant and in-demand products."
"Trends centered around popular franchises like LOTR and One Piece also stood out. Being proactive in these areas will allow us to provide our customers with high-demand products that keep them ahead of market trends."
How did attendees react to our products at the booth? Were there any specific features or benefits that potential customers were particularly excited about?
"The response was extremely positive across the board. Our Fuzzy Mugs and Fashion Backpacks were the clear winners, with many customers noting their unique appeal and practical benefits. These products not only look great but also offer something different in a crowded market."
"Interestingly, many attendees thought we were a retail outlet, which speaks volumes about the appeal and immediate market-readiness of our products. This also gave us an opportunity to educate them about our B2B focus and direct them towards our selling partners."
Were there any common challenges or needs from attendees that our products could solve? How did you highlight these solutions during your conversations?
"One of the most common challenges was the need to reduce supplier complexity. Our wide range of licenses and product categories positions us as a comprehensive solution, simplifying the supply chain for our partners. This message resonated strongly, especially with those looking to streamline operations."
"We also addressed the demand for high-quality alternatives to premium-priced products. Our fashion backpacks, for instance, offer a stylish and cost-effective option that filled a gap many customers were looking to bridge."
If you could pick one of our products to showcase to potential customers at next year's Gamescom, which would it be and why do you think it would be a hit?
"Our Fuzzy Mugs would be my top pick. They are unique in the market, and being the only supplier of such a product gives us a distinct edge. It’s about offering something that no one else can."
"I’d also consider the fashion backpacks—they hit the sweet spot between quality and affordability and were among the most popular items at this year’s event. Their strong showing indicates they’d be a hit again."
What was the most creative or innovative booth you saw at Gamescom, and how did it inspire ideas for how we could better engage with potential customers in the future?
"While many stands were visually striking, most were quite closed off. I think our booth’s more open design worked well for our B2B focus, but there’s potential to make it even more inviting. Incorporating interactive elements or reducing the booth’s enclosure could create a more welcoming atmosphere."
"The stand across from us featured a full-service coffee shop, which generated a lot of buzz and foot traffic. It’s a great example of creating an engaging environment that draws people in. We could consider similar strategies to increase visitor interaction and engagement."
What was the most memorable or engaging experience you had with a potential customer or partner at Gamescom? How did it change your perspective on what we offer?
"A standout moment was when a browsing customer turned into a major order after seeing our new backpacks up close. It highlighted the power of in-person product demonstrations and the need to maintain high-quality samples on hand."
"Feedback on our digital presence was also a significant takeaway. Customers want more dynamic content, like videos and lifestyle images, to help them better visualize our products. Enhancing these digital tools could greatly improve the customer journey."
What’s one unexpected customer insight or feedback you received during the event that we should incorporate into our future strategies?
"The desire for innovative, first-to-market products was clear. Customers are keen on products that stand out rather than blend in. This feedback pushes us to be more adventurous with our product development."
"We also learned that a more streamlined product range could help customers make decisions more easily. Simplifying our offerings could enhance the overall customer experience and make us even easier to work with."
What’s the most valuable takeaway from Gamescom that you believe could attract new customers to our business this year?
"Differentiation is key. We need standout, ‘wow’ products that make us the go-to supplier. Investing in unique, high-impact products will be crucial."
"Continuing to refine our digital presence and making our systems more user-friendly will also be vital. It's about making it as easy as possible for customers to do business with us."
Final question! Describe YOUR experience of Gamescom in one word.
"Insightful."
"Amazing."
"Eye-opening!"
"Exhausting!"
Gamescom 2024 was more than just an event; it was a strategic opportunity to engage, learn, and refine our approach. Our International Sales Team is already implementing new strategies to better serve our partners and drive growth. Stay tuned for more as we continue to innovate and lead the market!