gamescom 2020 making plans to go digital

Organizers say the show will go on, even if not in physical form

Posted on Mar 31, 2020 - 2:43pm EST

The gamescom organisers have announced plans to host this year's show, even if there are physical restrictions.

Koelnmesse and game – the German Games Industry Association jointly announced that gamescom will definitely take place at least in a digital format from 25 to 29 August. They say it will not be postponed. The same goes for the devcom developer conference (22 to 24 August), which starts off gamescom week.

Planned measures have been announced in light of the corona crisis. Existing digital formats such as gamescom: Opening Night Live and gamescom now will be significantly expanded and new modules added.

An evaluation will be made in mid-May as to how gamescom can also take place on-site 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.

At the same time, the organisers ensure that visitors will receive a refund for already paid tickets and exhibitors will be reimbursed in full for payments made to Koelnmesse if gamescom or devcom cannot take place on location in Cologne by official order. Further information on the digital formats will be announced in the coming months.

Earlier this year, the industry saw the cancellation of GDC 2020, and E3 2020.

Gamescom