Initially thought to escape the mass gaming event cancellations due to the coronavirus, Gamescom may have to be postponed, outright cancelled, or have its digital show take center stage instead.
It was shared in last month’s press release that “[e]xisting digital formats such as gamescom: Opening Night Live and gamescom now will be significantly expanded and new modules added,” but plans for a physical, in-person event were still on track. Of course, it would also be understandable if the event was to be cancelled or postponed due to ongoing events.
Despite planning, “[a]n 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.” The evaluation may come sooner, however, thanks to Germany’s latest orders concerning large, public events.
As of now, all major events are prohibited until August 31st. Gamescom 2020’s dates are August 25th through the 29th, just missing this order by a week. Gamescom has yet to release a full, detailed statement, but did tweet the following in response to the new order:
❗ Even though not all details are known at present, the nationwide ban on major events until the end of August will also affect the planning for #gamescom2020. Furthermore: gamescom 2020 will definitely take place digitally! We will provide further information shortly. ❗
— gamescom (@gamescom) April 15, 2020
We’ll continue to follow this story as it develops and update this article accordingly.
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Written by Jennifer Burch
Illustrator, designer, writer and big Nintendo geek, you can find Jennifer with an N3DS within reach 24/7. As the oldest of three, she has survived many Mario Party, Super Smash Bros. and Mario Kart sessions intact in addition to getting her brothers hooked on some really weird games. (Cubivore anyone?)
