Gamescom 2020 Goes Digital Following Nationwide Event Ban

Gamescom is the latest in-person event to call off its physical presence. Following a nationwide ban on large events in Germany, Gamescom confirmed it would be going digital this year.

Announced yesterday, Gamescom organizers have confirmed that Gamescom will "definitely" take place digitally, as opposed to its regular physical event. Further information on what that entails is coming, as few plans have been announced so far.

The massive European gaming convention had already been considering the possibility that a physical show might not be viable in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Gamescom's expanded digital presence was set to include Gamescom Opening Night Live, an already existing show, and other venues.

Since the cancelation of E3 2020, Gamescom 2020 had been the next major event on the horizon that could be called off due to the ongoing pandemic. As various countries continue to deal with containing the spread and promoting social distancing, more and more events are thrown into question. Even GDC 2020, which was cancelled, announced a summer conference as an attempt to still have a show; that event is now looking more questionable in light of Gamescom 2020's cancellation.

Whether this digital presence is similar to the Steam Game Festival being hosted in the void of E3 or something else, it's likely that most events this year will be looking to digital options. It might be a bummer for those excited for trade show season, especially ahead of a new console launch, but flattening the curve takes precedence.

Lead photo via Gamescom/Flickr, Koelnmesse Allgemein.