I suppose this was to be expected, what with many other big events being postponed or canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. E3 in LA was canceled, EGX Rezzed has been moved to a July date and it looks like Gamescom may become a Digital Event in itself.
Even though Europe’s largest gaming event isn’t until near the end of August, the organizers of Gamescom have announced that they may have to host a Digital Event should the Coronavirus pandemic continue to worsen. A proper decision has not been made yet. The organizers have said they will wait until mid-May before they decide to change focus to a Digital Event or continue with their original plans with the physical event. Online presentations like Gamescom: Opening Night Live will be expanded upon but in what way, we should find out in May.
In view of #COVID19, existing digital formats such as #gamescom: Opening Night Live and gamescom now will be significantly expanded. Whether #gamescom2020 will take place as usual or as a digital gamescom will be determined in mid-May.
➡️https://t.co/1nm0bdbIDz pic.twitter.com/BlOgsOfuBD— gamescom (@gamescom) March 31, 2020
Here is the official statement from the Organizers:
“An 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 at that time together with the responsible state authorities. 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.”
Source: The NintendoVillage.com
