Gamescom 2020 stepping up digital presence in fear of Covid-19 cancellation
Gamescom will be “significantly expanding” its digital presence this year in wake of concerns that the consumer show may be called off due to Covid-19 concerns.
The statement released today provides a clearer indication of plans going forward, announcing “an evaluation will be made in mid-May” to determine whether Gamescom will take place “on-site” at its usual venue in Cologne. At the time, we highly doubt it will.
“If an on-site event is possible, 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,” the statement explains.
As a compromise for such a situation, Gamescom has also said it will be expanding its digital presence, so a virtual event of sorts will at least take place from August 25 – 29, likely to contain major news, announcements and other things from across the industry.
“In view of the corona crisis, we are now expanding all digital formats at full speed so that Gamescom 2020 can at least take place digitally in any case,” said Felix Falk, managing director of Game.
This wouldn’t be the first major gaming show to suffer cancellation at the hands of Covid-19. E3 2020, EGX Rezzed and several tournaments have also been cancelled across the globe in the interest of safety and to lower the risk of spreading infection.
In our eyes, it’s definitely the right move. Luckily, if things are canned all exhibitors and attendees of Gamescom 2020 will receive a full refund.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
