Today, Think Services and Koelnmesse announced that GDC Europe will take place August 16 - 19, 2009 in Cologne during gamescom. The event will be organized by Think Services' Frank Sliwka, who will take the role of Event Director.

"We are thrilled to present GDC Europe during gamescom," said Kathy Schoback, Executive Vice President, Global Events, Think Services. "A world class game developer event belongs at the premier European game industry event. With the support of Koelnmesse, BIU, and the City of Cologne, Europe's most significant games gathering will definitely be a great success, and we couldn't be more excited to have Frank Sliwka bring his deep experience to helping deliver GDC Europe."

"The trade fair location of Cologne, together with gamescom, offers the international developer community ideal business and networking opportunities," added Sliwka. "Think Services has recognized this potential and will therefore be organizing the GDC Europe as a conference by Europeans, for Europeans. One of the most important tasks related to my new position at Think Services will be to strengthen the positioning of European game developer interests in the North American market."

"We are pleased to welcome the European development community to GDC Europe during gamescom," noted Oliver P. Kuhrt, Executive Vice President of Koelnmesse GmbH. "The team in charge of GDC Europe, Think Services and Frank Sliwka, are professionals who are renowned for organizing internationally respected developer events and who have deep industry experience, strong networking connections, and know how."