Gamescom organizers have announced Gamescom 2020 will still go ahead “at least in a digital format” despite the coronavirus pandemic. In addition, digital events will be “significantly expanded.”
Organizers had previously stated Gamescom 2020 was still being prepared, with organizers monitoring local regulations and the virus’ spread.
Now, the official Gamescom website has issued the following statement. Therein, Gamescom organizers explain the event will expand upon digital events, and that Gamescom 2020 shall happen“at least in a digital format”. Neither postponement or cancellation was announced.
“The gamescom organisers have updated their plans for this year: Even though the world’s largest event for computer and video games will not take place for five months, some of the planned measures have already 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.
After millions of fans throughout the world followed gamescom online last year, records are also expected to be surpassed in 2020. 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.”
An evaluation will be made in the middle of May to determine if Gamescom can take place in Cologne, based on the coronavirus pandemic, and recommendations from state authorities.
If the event will proceed “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.” If the event is cancelled, refunds will be issued to exhibitors.
The coronavirus pandemic (also known as COVID-19 officially, or Chinese Flu to others) has affected many worldwide, from businesses to public gatherings and events. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8]. This includes the postponement of GDC, and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, along with the cancellation of E3 2020, and Comiket 98.
The Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering are mapping the virus’ spread [1, 2]. As of this time of writing, there have been over 846,000 confirmed cases worldwide, and over 41,000 deaths. Over 176,000 people have made a “total recovery.” In Germany, there have been almost 71,000 (with 54,000 existing cases), 682 deaths, and over 15,800 total recoveries.
Gamescom 2020 will take place from August 25th to 29th, at Koelnmesse GmbH, Cologne.
Image: Twitter
