Cologne was once again the center of the gaming world. Gamescom 2025 drew more than 300,000 visitors, making it Europe's largest gaming expo. 

It's also a showcase for an industry forecast to reach $188.9 billion globally in 2025 - a 3.4 percent rise on last year.

Wandering the Koelnmesse halls feels like stepping into multiple universes - from fantasy landscapes to neon-lit e-sports arenas. One world drawing particular attention: Arrakis, the desert planet from Frank Herbert's Dune.

At the 'Dune: Awakening' stand, costumed characters and the rumble of a sandworm made the experience immersive. 'Dune: Awakening' is an online survival game where thousands share the same world - known in the industry as a massively multiplayer online game (MMO). 

Set on Arrakis, it launched in June with over 140,000 players online simultaneously on launch day. Funcom has already confirmed an expansion, scheduled for September.

If battling sandworms was a test of survival, the e-sports hall offered a different intensity.

At the EA Sports FC25 stand, matches drew noisy crowds. I even managed to steer my hometown club Sunderland to victory over Newcastle - a result that always earns a cheer. 

Football simulations remain a staple, selling millions of copies and underpinning the booming e-sports sector, which is expected to generate $1.7 billion in 2025, attracting over 640 million viewers worldwide.

Beyond the spectacle, conversations hinted at where the industry is headed. Artificial intelligence was everywhere. 

"The core benefits of AI are to help accelerate the process," said Ninghang Hu, Technical Director at Level Infinite - the global publishing arm of Tencent, China's gaming powerhouse. 

Tencent's latest financials underscore its weight: domestic gaming revenue rose 24 percent to 42.9 billion yuan ($5.99 billion), while international gaming revenue climbed 23% to 16.6 billion yuan ($2.33 billion) in the latest quarter.

Cultural crossover was another key focus. Hero Games, another major Chinese publisher, showcased 'Duet Night Abyss' and 'Crisis X' - melding Chinese traditions with global appeal. 

"We've kept elements with distinct Chinese characteristics. At the same time, we design in-game events around holidays from different regions," said Operations Manager Xiao Lu. Their presence in Cologne signals clear global ambition.

Few titles capture that ambition better than 'Black Myth'. Its predecessor, 'Black Myth: Wukong', sold 10 million copies in just three days and generated over $1.1 billion worldwide. 

Their new trailer has already logged over 10 million views online - evidence that Chinese games aren't just local hits; they've become global blockbusters.

Gamescom 2025 reflects the shifting center of gravity in the gaming world - where blockbuster franchises, new technology and Chinese developers alike are helping shape what comes next.