Why the German Military is Recruiting Gamers as Soldiers
Gamescom, scheduled to take place from 26–30 August 2026 in Cologne, is touted as the world’s largest video game exhibition. Last year, two-thirds of visitors outside the industry sector were male, with over 40% aged between 16 and 25. It is this youth demographic that the Bundeswehr, Germany’s armed forces, is actively targeting in its efforts to increase personnel.
The German armed forces aim to maintain 260,000 active soldiers by 2035. The German government has allocated hundreds of billions of euros to modernise the nation’s military, as defence has become a priority amidst the current global security situation.
Career opportunities in camouflage
The Bundeswehr first opened a booth at Gamescom in 2016 and has been a regular presence every year since. A new olive-green Caracal off-road vehicle serves as one of the main attractions. Alongside it is a laptop from the Bundeswehr Cyber Operations Centre, which is tasked with handling Germany’s cyber defence.
Under the close supervision of military personnel, visitors can attempt hacking simulations. At another booth, visitors can use VR headsets to catch a glimpse of life aboard a warship, where pilots, aircraft mechanics, and air traffic controllers introduce their professions through 3D experiences. Elsewhere, specialised military personnel, typically deployed in mountainous regions, invite visitors to test their strength on pull-up bars.
A new addition for the Bundeswehr this year is the Career Counselling Session. The atmosphere is positive, with soldiers promoting their roles and taking time to answer questions from visitors, most of whom attended Gamescom for entertainment and to play the latest games.
Can gamers be good soldiers?
A representative study by the German digital association Bitkom found that one in five people believe video games and computer games teach skills useful in wartime, such as reaction speed and problem-solving. However, being a good gamer does not always translate to being a good soldier.