For the 2nd time, as might be expected, the gamescom was hyped by the usual PR-routines in the run-up and in the summary it is sure to be praised in glowing terms as a success, just like it was last year.

Looking back, how was it in 2009? Were the 245,000 visitors, the mentioned gamers and those interested in peripherals really convinced by the exhibitors’ – at least from our point of view – rather average performance? Could they really take home a sense of genuine enthusiasm from the GC 2009?

It may be that the gamers’ hearts – just like ours at first – had beaten higher when they first entered the GC, but then? Our pulse went back down to normal rather quickly already during the visit – unfortunately. But why?

Ultimately, all games studios had wrapped up a lot of energy for the GC and took on financial burdens in order to create an emotional climax during the GC. However, was this “energy level” intelligently held high and “played” even further in both medial and temporal dimensions? Do loveless incentives like cheap key rings and mouse pads suffice? Is this the right way to keep one’s self alive in the heart of a Gamer even after the “emotional peak” of a GC?

We believe that the majority of the gaming community – both casual gamers and dedicated multipliers – would honor a game title or its developer/publisher with more “loyalty” by means of tangible additional value that goes far beyond the short exhibition period of a GC, thus identify themselves much more as a “fan community”.

But let’s see – we’re on site in Cologne again this year, and then we’ll see how far they look out of the box this time.

From left to right: Misha Collins, Stephanie Bimmermann, Jim Beaver, Mark Pelligrino (also present were: Traci Dinwiddie, Samantha Ferris & Chad Lindberg)

The PRAGANDA^® team had the honor to be introduced to all the VIPs personally. Thank you all for the entertaining evening!

Just like last year, Jason Manns provided for the musical entertainment. He presented some of his songs from his first album “Jason’s” and his latest album “SOUL”.

The convention materials designed by PRAGANDA^® are visually fully in the world of Supernatural and they appealed very much to the convention’s visitors.

Social networks are becoming more popular with each passing day. But why do networks like Facebook, StudiVZ or Twitter gain so much attention?
It’s simple: social networks and micro blogging services are entertaining and useful. Information on interesting topics can be obtained in real time, which can be shared with friends. Companies are in direct contact with customers and try to generate purchase decisions with this type of digital interaction. The list of benefits for both private users and business people is long.

However, the downside is often underestimated:

Websites such as pleaserobme.com can show the effects of excessive transparency on the Internet. Here the entire Twitteruniverse is searched for “left home” tweets, and these are summarized in a timeline. Hence, a simple game for gangs of thieves: Thanks to interconnected social media accounts, it quickly becomes clear what the ‘in spe’ victim’s name is, where it lives and how long they will not be at home.

Conclusion: Everyone that moves about in the social media world should know to be completely transparent to the outside world. Friends, family, the boss or even a customer can be an intentional or unintentional accomplice and fellow reader. A tweet can be enough to make new friends – but can just as quickly ruin a long-standing friendship or business relationship.

Carefully consider what you pass on to the social media elephant, for he shares the following trait with his relatives at the zoo: He forgets nothing.