Books and games are often discussed separately, yet both industries are built around storytelling, worldbuilding, intellectual property, and engaged communities. As audience expectations evolve and media ecosystems become increasingly interconnected, new opportunities for collaboration emerge.

In this opening conversation, Daniela Hartmann (Kreativwirtschaft Hessen), Ellen Koban (MfG Baden-Württemberg), Christian Ebert (Frankfurt Book Fair) and Claudia Stricker (game – The German Games Industry Association) explore why stronger connections between publishing and games matter, what both sectors can learn from each other, and how cross-media partnerships can create new value for creators, companies and audiences alike.