Coronavirus: Gamescom 2020 maintained, at least online

Published at 01/04/2020 at 08:03 By Robin "Raiden Robin" Bouquet

With E3 2020 canceled, Gamescom organizers are taking the lead in preparing a digital format, even if the event is to be held in August.

Coronavirus: Gamescom 2020 maintained, at least online

With the continuing round of cancellations and an epidemic that could have long-term consequences, important events scheduled for later this year are beginning to feel threatened. Among them is Gamescom 2020, scheduled for August 25-29 in Cologne, Germany. The organizers, therefore, wanted to reassure, and have let gamesindustry know that they plan to "significantly expand" their digital coverage this year. It will be determined in mid-May whether the physical event will continue to be held in Cologne.

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 [...] 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... Further expansion of our digital strategy is the way to go right now.

Gamescom (Source)

If the physical version of the event is canceled, it is expected that visitors and exhibitors will be reimbursed. For those who are used to following the event via streams and trailers, nothing should change. For their part, publishers will certainly schedule online previews and demos rather than on-site for the press. There is no real worry.

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