During his visit to the world’s largest video game trade fair, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier emphasized the cultural significance of gaming while addressing pressing concerns such as addiction and harmful content.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier made history as the first head of state to visit Gamescom, the world’s largest gaming convention, held in Cologne. Despite admitting he is not an avid gamer himself, the 70-year-old leader acknowledged gaming as an integral part of modern cultural life. With over 40 million Germans actively playing video and computer games, Steinmeier said gaming has firmly entered the mainstream, crossing generational and gender boundaries.

In his remarks, Steinmeier hailed gaming’s contributions to society, noting its cultural relevance and potential to foster democratic values. He also highlighted how gaming technologies are driving advancements in fields such as medicine, architecture, and automotive design. The president dismissed outdated stereotypes of gamers, stating that the image of isolated, junk food-fueled teenagers no longer reflects the reality of an inclusive and diverse gaming community.

However, Steinmeier also issued a cautionary note about gaming’s darker aspects. He urged for open and honest discussions on issues such as gaming addiction, which is officially recognized as a medical disorder by the World Health Organization. Additionally, he underscored the need for clear regulations to address concerns about violence, sexism, racism, and extremist ideologies in some games. Given the growing prominence of games in society, Steinmeier argued that ensuring they align with democratic values is more critical now than ever.