The organizers of Gamescom 2020 released a statement today about the direction of the annual event. Every year, the event draws visitors from across the globe who are video game enthusiasts. This is in addition to exhibitors who wish to showcase what’s in store for fans and industry leaders alike. Due to the coronavirus situation, Gamescom 2020 itself, as well the Opening Night Live event, “will definitely take place at least in a digital format.” The announcement stated that this digital format is also scheduled to take place between August 25 to 29.
Gamescom will exist digitally, at the very least
“Millions of fans worldwide are excited about Gamescom 2020,” said Felix Falk, the managing director of game. “That is why we are determined to celebrate the latest news, announcements and world premieres together with the community again this year at the end of August.”
Falk added that Gamescom 2020 is now expanding all digital formats at full speed and that an expansion on a digital strategy is a step in the right direction for its fans.
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
The announcement also stated that there will be a reevaluation for Gamescom 2020 on whether or not the event can take place on site at the Koelnmesse exhibition centre. This evaluation is scheduled to take place in the middle of May.
Oliver Frese, the managing director at Koelnmesse, said that the mid-May re-evaluation would list the health of Gamescom 2020 visitors as a top priority. “It goes without saying that preparations are well underway both physically and digitally,” he added.
If Gamescom 2020 can take place on site in Cologne, then more information will be provided by the organizers in order to ensure the health of every attendee. The organizers stated that if the event cannot occur on site, then those who have already paid for tickets will receive a refund. Exhibitors would get a reimbursement.
