As the official youth protection partner of Koelnmesse GmbH, the Entertainment Software Self-Regulation Body “USK” has been entrusted with comprehensive youth protection supervision at gamescom. This includes the age rating of all content on all platforms, including mobile apps, trailers, and game-based stage programs. In addition, the USK is the first point of contact for all gamescom exhibitors regarding youth protection, whether during the run-up or during the trade fair itself.
As an exhibitor, you are fully responsible for ensuring that your booth and presentations comply with the Protection of Young Persons Act (JuSchG) requirements. The regulatory authorities will monitor compliance on all days of the fair. Koelnmesse and the USK have drafted the below-mentioned regulations to ensure consistent and uniform implementation. They apply to gamescom exhibitors in the Entertainment Area.
At the entrance, the organizer (Koelnmesse) will provide visitors with non-removable wristbands in the colors of the USK 12 / USK 16 / USK 18 age ratings. This will assist the stand personnel in checking age. The so-called parental privilege does not apply to the exhibition grounds. Only visitors who have reached the required age may enter designated areas.
The main information summarized
- The Deadline for submitting forms and content is 3 pm on 11 August 2026. The USK age ratings will be issued and delivered before the start of the trade fair. This can only be ensured by timely submission.
- All open booths within the B2C area must display the correct USK age rating. There is no USK age rating requirement for the B2B sector.
- Age ratings from IARC/storefronts (e.g. Steam, Google Play or App Store) are not valid at trade fairs and only apply within the respective online storefront.
- Content that has not received a USK age rating under the Protection of Young Persons Act (JuSchG) may only be accessible to adults (18+). Such content must be clearly marked with a generic ’18+’ label.
- We recommend placing large stickers prominently on artwork, booth walls, or game stations, so they are clearly visible from a distance.
- Any trailers shown in the open B2C area (USK 0 to USK 12) require an age rating under the Protection of Young Persons Act (JuSchG). However, the USK age rating label does not need to be displayed within the trailer itself or at the booth.
- The responsible authority will strictly monitor compliance with the Protection of Young Persons Act on site and take appropriate legal action in the event of any violations. Violations may result in substantial fines and the closure of the booth.
What you need to know
- For submitting demos or trailers to USK, please find the submission form here, add the game materials (Links, FTP, Cloud Transfers, Game Keys) and send everything to test@usk.de.
- Please submit your game or trailer as soon as a fully representative version is available. This will help you avoid unnecessary time pressure before the submission deadline.
- Even after the USK review, you may still improve the game or trailer material, as long as no changes related to youth protection are made.
- First-time applicants must expect to make an advance payment before the review process begins. Please take this into account and once you get the invoice after submitting, please use the fastest available payment method.
- Games already rated by the USK (storefront ratings like IARC or Steam are NOT valid at gamescom) can be presented fully or partially (as a demo) with that rating. It is not necessary to get the same content rated again.
- Trailers without game scenes (for example, company/image movies, hardware presentation without gameplay) do not need to be rated for the trade fair.
- Multiple trailers running in endless loops at one location can be submitted as one trailer reel with one application only (called “Trailer Bundle” on the submission form).
- More details about the rating procedure and the application form here.
- You can find the fee schedule here.
- Each game station must be marked with the correct USK age rating, either individually or as a row:
- Sticker size individually: min. 3.5 x 3.5 cm
- Sticker size for a row: min. 20 x 20 cm
- Only content with a legally binding “classic” USK age rating of USK 0, 6, or 12 may be presented publicly (see examples below).
- Content with a USK 16 or 18 age rating, or unrated content, may only be shown in closed rooms or in a way that provides visual shielding and controlled access, for example through:
- Turned-away monitors, privacy screens or separate rooms with access control (see the examples below).
- If a game does not have a legally binding USK age rating, please use generic stickers such as “18+” or “Adults Only” at the entrance. Official USK age rating labels may not be used in this case.
- In contrast to game stations, Trailers do not need to show the certified USK Rating at monitors.
- The USK does not provide stickers; exhibitors must print their own stickers or purchase them from third-party suppliers.
- Any game with a legally binding USK age rating may also be played live in accordance with the criteria outlined above.
- Streamers and partners with game-oriented live programs of unrated games must submit a 15-minute ‘mock presentation’ in advance. This will form the basis of the USK age rating. These hands-off presentations are submitted as ‘trailers’.
- Indie arenas, schools/universities with multiple games and country pavilions may obtain one single USK age rating for the entire booth (usually USK 12) through a single application (named “Indie-/Country-Pavilion” on the submission form). Please note the following rules:
- Only one contact person provides all the content for the booth.
- Send one application with the name of the pavilion inside the “product name” box.
- Transparent online xls table is required, including game titles, participating companies or developers at the booth, desired USK age rating, directly accessible links/keys to the game, and video material (accessible for the whole duration of the rating procedure, minimum 10 minutes running time, e.g., YouTube private links without access barriers).
- Trailers rated up to and including USK 12 may be presented publicly.
- In contrast to game stations, Trailers do not need to show the certified USK Rating at monitors or within the material.
- If you are planning a trailer targeting a USK 12 rating, the portrayal of action and suspense should be age-appropriate (for example, comparable to movie franchises such as “Pirates of the Caribbean”, “Star Wars” or “The Lord of the Rings”).
- Trailer with a USK 16 or 18 age rating, or unrated content, may only be shown in closed rooms or in a way that provides visual shielding and controlled access, for example through:
- Turned-away monitors, privacy screens or separate rooms with access control (see the examples below).
- If a trailer does not have a legally binding USK age rating, please use generic stickers such as “18+” or “Adults Only” at the entrance. Official USK age rating labels may not be used in this case.
- Posters and Artwork should be comparable to materials commonly displayed in public spaces.
- Please always keep in mind that gamescom is a family-oriented event.
For all youth protection-related questions regarding stand construction, advertising, gimmicks, shows, merchandise, and cooperation, please get in touch with us at gamescom@usk.de.
Examples of the use of the USK age label at gamescom
Age ratings USK All Ages / USK 6 / USK 12: Content with this rating can be shown openly to anybody, though the staff must make sure that “12+ content” must not be actively played by children below 12.
Age ratings USK 16 / USK 18 / not rated: Content with this rating can only be shown to visitors of the correct age group. Separate rooms, turned monitors and privacy screens are the choice to make sure no visitors below the required age can see that content. Access control to these areas must be conducted by the booth personnel.
