Gamescom will not be a physical event this year.
On Twitter, it was announced that gamescom will not be taking place physically this year due to the coranavirus epidemic. Instead, the event will be all digital. Existing digital formats such as gamescom: Opening Night Live will be significantly expanded, with new modules being added. No exact details on how the event will run has been released at the moment, though it has been stated on the gamescom website that more information will be released in mid-May.
"It's official: unfortunately , gamescom will under no circumstances take place on site in Cologne this year," the gamescom team stated. "Just like many of you, we are disappointed, because, as the gamescom team, we have been working on a wonderful gamescom 2020 for months, just like the many exhibitors. However, it is also quite clear to us that, in the face of the corona pandemic, we must stand united. This means that we must all be considerate of each other and reduce the risk of infection.
"We are, however, already working at full speed on a digital gamescom. It is, after all, the world's biggest event for games, and that's what it should be again this year. You can already look forward to how we will celebrate the best games and gamescom together with you and millions of gamers worldwide at the end of August, even if it will only be digital and not on location this time. Because one this is certain: this year too, gamescom is and will remain "The Heart of Gaming!"
Gamescom usually takes place in Cologne, Germany. However, a nationwide ban on all major events was announced on April 15th by the federal government and the federal states. The ban will last until August 31st, the same month that gamescom is meant to take place.
Geoff Keighley did state on twitter that gamescom: Opening Night Live will stream live on Monday, August 24th.
