With the demise of ECTS, EGN, Game Stars Live et al, things were not looking good for the European games - already the source of much concern with the demise of many independent developers. However, a slight ray of hope has been sighted through the clouds today with the announcement of a new London-based trade show this summer. Like the showcase of old, the new Games Market will run on August 31st and September 1st. Billed as a "major new trade showcase for the European computer and video games industry," the event looks unlikely to rival E3 any time soon however - but may provide the industry with a necessary focal point at the London's Business Design Centre.

An event unifying both the 'continent and the business' is promised, and what is key now is whether it manages to garner the support of major publishers - thus ensuring respectable media attendance. The man behind ECTS, Andy Lane, is in charge of this new show being held by Barrington Harvey and Tandem Events - and if anyone can pull-off a show revival it's him. More on this as we get it.

By Luke Guttridge