In view of #COVID19, existing digital formats such as #gamescom: Opening Night Live and gamescom now will be significantly expanded. Whether #gamescom2020 will take place as usual or as a digital gamescom will be determined in mid-May.
— gamescom (@gamescom) March 31, 2020
➡️https://t.co/1nm0bdbIDz pic.twitter.com/BlOgsOfuBD
Organizers for this year’s postponed Gamescom convention outlined new details into their event, with measures in place to do full-digital shows amid COVID-19 risks. Following other events switching to online formats last month, its annual assembly for video game reveals and keynotes will at least happen in some way between August 25 to 29 unless health officials say otherwise.
A release from Gamescom detailed a decision would be made in mid-May to hold the event in Cologne, Germany while a refund system will make sure guests will get their money back at a moment’s notice. Despite a lack of turnout, organizers cited record highs in 2019 could be surpassed with a digital lineup of panels, presentations and other high-profile showings.
“Further expansion of our digital strategy is the way to go right now,” stated Gamecom managing director Felix Falk, adding the show will push past the coronavirus to some degree.
“Millions of fans worldwide are excited about Gamescom 2020. That is why we are determined to celebrate the latest news, announcements and world premieres together with the community again this year at the end of August,” he said.
Gamescom was among other events cancelled or postponed this year from the worldwide coronavirus pandemic, prompting almost every major developer to pull out of scheduling. Plans for E3, GDC, SXSW and Facebook’s F8 conference were all put on pause with options to go digital.