France named the official partner country of Gamescom 2013

France has been confirmed as the official partner country for this year's Gamescom, which will take place in Cologne, Germany from August 21-25.

The country will be heading the international exhibitor community at the event this year. The French games industry will be present at the exhibition grounds of the Koelnmesse, making itself accessible to Gamescom visitors from all over the world.

France joins the long list of countries including Canada, Britain and Korea, which have been picked to represent its respective gaming industries during the event as a partner country in the past.

The French gaming industry, with over 28 million players and a yearly turnover of around $2.36 billion, is one of the world's biggest videogame markets. Famous publishing houses such as Ubisoft and Focus Home Interactive, and developers like Quantic Dream are based out of France.

“France has been a strong partner of the Gamescom from the very onset,” said Katharina C. Hamma, Chief Operating Officer of the Koelnmesse GmbH. “Numerous companies have exhibited at a joint national stand every year, which is why we are all the more delighted to be able to present France as this year’s partner country thanks to the support of the SNJV and his partners behind Le Game.”

Thanks, GamerTV.