Gamescom 2020 physical show likely canceled as German government extends ban on large events through August 31 (update)

What you need to know

• Gamescom 2020 would have been held in August 2020.
• The show attracted a crowd of 373,000 people in 2019.
• The German government has extended the ban on large events through August 31.
• As a result, Gamescom 2020's physical show will have to be canceled.

Update: April 16, 2020 Geoff Keighley has confirmed that Gamescom Opening Night Live will be an all-digital show held on Monday, August 24, 2020.

Update: April 15, 2020 Gamescom has issued an official announcement, stating the show will continue and be held digitally. More details to come at a later date.

While Gamescom 2020 was already looking increasingly unlikely to occur in the sense a physical show, the show's fate has just been set in stone. The German government has decided to extend the ban on large-scale physical events though August 31. Since Gamescom is held annually in Germany in the second half of August, the event won't be able to be held.

Due to the ongoing outbreak, most large events across the world have been canceled, with people being encouraged to work from home when possible. Earlier this year, E3 2020 was canceled and GDC 2020 was tentatively postponed.

It's possible that a digital event of some kind will be held as a result of this decision. Last year, Geoff Keighley, host of the Game Awards, debuted a new show called Gamescom Opening Night Live, which had games and announcements from over 15 different publishers. We'll be sure to provide an update as more news comes out on this topic.

Xbox

Main

• What is Xbox Game Pass?
• Best 4K TVs for Xbox Series X and S
• Must-buy Xbox One Headsets
• Our Favorite Xbox One Wireless Headsets
• Best Upcoming Xbox Games for 2021
• Xbox One X vs. Xbox Series S