With all the events being cancelled or postponed (E3 2020 being one of the biggest) due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, Gamescom 2020 seemed like the next target. The organizers confirmed the event was still on but were prepared for any cancellation. In a new statement, Gamescom 2020 will “definitely take place at least in a digital format” from August 25th to 29th.
Felix Falk, Managing Director at Game, said that, “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 Gamescom now portal. Further expansion of our digital strategy is the way to go right now.”
Koelnmesse and Game – The German Games Industry Association noted that the same applies to Devcom 2020 taking place on August 22nd to 24th. While digital plans are currently going “at full speed”, the organizers will assess by mid-May as to whether an on-site event will take place. As Oliver Frese, Managing Director at Koelnmesse, states, “Gamescom and Koelnmesse already rank among the digital pioneers in the international trade fair landscape. We therefore also see the current corona crisis as a chance to implement digital event formats even more.
“Gamescom 2020 offers the perfect platform for this. When we reassess the situation in mid-May for all Gamescom formats at the Cologne fair grounds, the health of our visitors will be our top priority. It goes without saying that preparations are well underway both physically and digitally.”
There will be changes made to ensure the safety and health of visitors if the on-site events do indeed take place. Refunds for tickets and exhibitors will be offered in full if either event doesn’t take place on location. Expect more information on said digital formats in the coming months.
