Germany’s armed forces, the Bundeswehr, are intensifying their Bundeswehr Gamescom recruitment efforts. They are a regular fixture at Gamescom, Cologne’s prominent video game trade fair. The military seeks to attract young, tech-savvy individuals to its ranks.
Gamescom, promoted as the world’s largest video game show, runs from August 26-30 in Cologne. Last year, a significant portion of its non-industry visitors were young males. Over 40% of them were between 16 and 25 years old. This demographic perfectly aligns with the Bundeswehr’s urgent expansion goals.
Germany’s military aims to reach 260,000 active-duty soldiers by 2035. The German government has allocated hundreds of billions of euros to modernize its armed forces. Defense has become a national priority given the current global security landscape.
The Bundeswehr first established a presence at Gamescom in 2016. It has returned every year since, showcasing various aspects of military life. Its booth features a brand-new, olive-green Caracal off-road vehicle, drawing considerable attention.
Visitors can also engage with the Bundeswehr’s Center for Cyber Operations. Here, laptops allow guests to try their hand at hacking under supervision. Meanwhile, other stations offer immersive experiences, such as VR headsets simulating a soldier’s life on a naval vessel. Pilots, aircraft mechanics, and air traffic controllers present their professions in 3D.
Elsewhere, mountain infantry soldiers encourage visitors to test their strength at a pull-up bar. New this year is a dedicated career lounge. Interested individuals can participate in what the Bundeswehr calls “career counseling sessions” there. The atmosphere is consistently positive, with soldiers offering insights without pressure.
A representative study by Germany’s Bitkom digital association found that one in five people believe video games teach valuable wartime skills. These include reaction speed and problem-solving. However, being a skilled gamer does not automatically translate to being a good soldier.
Lt. Gen. Robert Sieger, president of the Federal Office for Bundeswehr Personnel Management, emphasized the need for technologically comfortable individuals. “We don’t want people who think we’re playing an ego shooter,” he stated. “War isn’t a game. It is important that people understand the seriousness of what we do.”
For Sieger, educating the public about the Bundeswehr and its diverse career paths is crucial for their Gamescom presence. He views the military as an integral part of the country’s safety net. Therefore, he believes they must be present to illustrate the meaning of defending national freedom.
The Bundeswehr shares the Job Area with other employers, including Germany’s federal police and various companies. However, critics strongly object to the military’s presence at an entertainment convention. The German Peace Society — United War Resisters, for example, has voiced concerns. They criticize the Bundeswehr for using slogans designed to appeal to gamers, arguing this distorts the reality of military service.
Peace campaigner Marius Pletsch stated it is wrong to lure young people with promises of adventure. “We don’t think the Bundeswehr should be represented at a trade show primarily about video games,” he told reporters. The peace organization will host an external booth for two days, offering information on conscientious objection.
“Being a soldier isn’t a normal job,” the peace initiative declared. Lt. Gen. Sieger agrees, but with a different conclusion. “We put our lives on the line for the security of our people,” he affirmed. He maintains that it would be negligent for a security organization not to be an inherent part of society, including its presence in the Gamescom Job Area.
Young Gamescom visitors offer mixed reactions to the Bundeswehr Gamescom recruitment. Dennis, a 22-year-old computer science student, called it “morally questionable, but a good employer.” Conversely, Dominik, 26, appreciated the military’s representation. He noted the soldiers were friendly and engaging. Dominik even considers a career in the Bundeswehr’s cyber defense division.
