Gamescom will be digital for the second year in a row, organizers Koelnmesse and the German Games Industry Association (GAME) said on Wednesday, abandoning their former plans to put on a hybrid show that would combine both on-site and digital elements. The event will be completely online and free to the public, according to Gamescom’s website.
“Even though the hybrid concept was very well received by the partners, we had to recognize that gamescom still comes too early for many companies in the industry due to the required planning reliability,” said Koelnmesse chief operating officer Oliver Frese said in a press release.
“One thing is absolutely clear: All those involved now need planning reliability. That’s why we’re going for a purely digital gamescom again this year and, with sufficient lead time, will be able to offer the gaming community an even stronger online event at the end of August 2021.”
The show’s dates have ave also changed. Gamescom: Opening Night Live kicks things off on Wednesday, August 25, ahead of the main event, which will take place on August 26 and August 27. The show was initially planned to run form August 25th to August 29th. Previous plans for events that weekend have been scaled back, but “some of the offers will continue to be available.”