What you need to know
- Gamescom 2020 is still expected to be held in some form despite the growing global pandemic.
- The show will expand its digital format substantially this year.
- A decision is to be made mid-May as to whether or not the physical show can take place in August.
With E3 2020 cancelled amid the global pandemic, all eyes turned to Gamescom, set to be held from August 25 - 29 in Cologne, Germany. The organizers of Gamescom have now announced that the digital format of the show will be expanded this year, while a final decision as to the fate of the physical show floor will be held in mid-May.
An evaluation will be made in mid-May as to how Gamescom can also take place on-site in Cologne based on the latest developments of the corona pandemic at that time together with the responsible state authorities. If an on-site event is possible, there will also be more information at that stage with regard to which changes need to be made in order to fully ensure the health of all visitors. This has been arranged with the largest exhibitors, therefore all Gamescom plans are continuing at full speed.
Gamescom ensured that visitors and exhibitors would be reimbursed in full for tickets and any payments made to the event center if Gamescom or the Devcom developer conference could not be held.
Opening Night Live, held by Geoff Keighley, will receive a larger emphasis in accordance with this new digital direction.
"Millions of fans worldwide are excited about Gamescom 2020. That is why we are determined to celebrate the latest news, announcements and world premieres together with the community again this year at the end of August. In view of the corona crisis, we are now expanding all digital formats at full speed so that Gamescom 2020 can at least take place digitally in any case. We already reach millions of Gamescom fans worldwide with the global show Gamescom: Opening Night Live and the Gamescome now portal. Further expansion of our digital strategy is the way to go right now," said managing director of Game, Felix Falk.
That Gamescom is exploring a greater push towards a digital format should come as no surprise. In the wake of E3's cancellation, publishers have already announced their own plans to hold press conferences in June around when E3 2020 was set to take place.
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- Xbox Series X: Everything we know
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- List of Xbox Series X specs
- What is the Xbox Series X release date?
- How much does Xbox Series X cost?
- Why you can't preorder Xbox Series X yet
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