The games industry in the Rhine-Main region has long been more than just a marginal cultural phenomenon. Around a fifth of the industry's nationwide turnover is generated here – a figure that makes Frankfurt and its surrounding area one of the most productive locations in the German gaming industry. Against this backdrop, Massif Central is organising the second Massif Games Convention (MGC) in collaboration with Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences from 25 to 28 March. The event is once again being supported by the City of Frankfurt's Department of Economic Affairs.
Following its premiere in 2024, which attracted around 2,500 visitors, the convention is now set to grow further. "The response was gratifyingly high," says Florian Joeckel, Managing Director of Massif Central. "This time there is even more to discover, especially in the area of live experiences." The event will be extended by an additional day. Around 30 exhibitors are planned. In terms of content, the convention will focus on a topic that is increasingly shaping the industry: phygitalisation – the connection between digital and physical experience spaces. A panel discussion on this topic took place at Massif Central on 20 February. Under the title "Game Changer – Gaming, eSports and the Phygital", Stephanie Wüst, Head of the Department of Economics, Law and City Marketing for the City of Frankfurt am Main, Prof. Will Weber, Dean of the Media Department at Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences, and Marcus Meyer, Managing Director of Force of Disruption GmbH, discussed the economic and technological prospects for the industry.
Wüst emphasises the economic dimension: Frankfurt is one of the strongest locations for the German games industry. An innovation-driven economic sector with growth potential, high-quality jobs and technological value creation is emerging here. The aim is to create reliable and competitive framework conditions – from funding instruments and affordable workspaces for start-ups to practical training opportunities and phygital pilot projects.
The convention itself is spread across two central locations: at Massif Central in Bethmannstraße, the focus is on phygitalisation and sim racing, while at Massif E at Hauptwache – the former EKINOS – everything revolves around gaming culture, indie productions and community formats. Panels, specialist lectures and discussion rounds accompany the programme at both locations. Around 30 indie studios will present prototypes and projects in the development stage, which can be tested on site. In addition, there will be a 24-hour game jam, where spontaneous ideas will be turned into playable demos that the audience can immediately test and evaluate. Phygital arenas, in which basketball or football are played in hybrid formats, exergaming stations and sim racing competitions actively engage visitors. Classic gaming culture also has its place: on 28 March, the second Frankfurt Retro Pinball Cup will be held at Massif Central. At the same time, a phygital tournament in football and padel tennis is planned at Sportpark Frankfurt. Advance registration is possible. With the Massif Games Convention, Frankfurt is positioning itself not only as a financial and trade fair location, but also increasingly as a hub for an industry that combines digital innovation, the creative industries and sport. The detailed programme will be published on 20 February.
