Gamescom, Germany’s massive gaming event, will likely be cancelled or delayed as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread around the globe. Originally planned for 24-29 August, Gamescom organizers now have a tough call to make due to the government’s decision to prohibit large gatherings until the end of August. Organizers have already confirmed that Gamescom planning is affected by the nationwide ban.
Should the event be cancelled, Gamescom organizers assured attendees that all tickets purchased through their official ticket shop will be reimbursed. The Gamescom Open Night Live is still expected to push through with its live streaming on 24 August. Gamescom Now, the event’s official online channel, is being expanded with more digital content.
Attendees will just have to wait for official news with regard to what will happen to the physical event. However, previous announcements show that the organizers seem open to the idea of adopting a digital format. Organizers have previously promised to update fans by mid-May, but the new government initiative may push them to announce the new plans “shortly,” although they have not given a specific date.
Gamescom is an annual fan event for gaming similar to the E3 conference but with a massive following since attracts about 350,000 attendees to Cologne compared to the E3 event’s 50,000 to 70,000.
