Gamescom has announced that the German-born gaming convention, Gamescom 2020, has now been officially canceled. Just as previous events such as E3 2020, GDC 2020 and countless others have been forced to cancel over health concerns, we can all thank COVID-19.
Official statement regarding #gamescom2020 ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/fHaN4GOULM
— gamescom (@gamescom) April 16, 2020
It’s official: unfortunately, Gamescom will under no circumstance take place on-site in Cologne, this year. 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 (2020), even if it will only be a digital and not on location this time. Because one thing is certain: This year too, Gamescom is and will remain “The Heard of Gaming”!
As a result of this, tickets that were already purchased will be refunded, and as already mentioned, they will now work now transitioning the event into an all-digital one. With details of this new event to be released in the coming weeks.
Let’s be honest with each other, as we already knew this was going to happen and rightfully so. Is it disappointing, well yes it is. Though I’m willing to wager that yours and the health of others worldwide take a huge presentence over a gaming event. I’m sure whatever Gamescom puts together will be enjoyable and more importantly, we can all check it out without further health risks to anyone.
Here’s hoping to a speedy recovery to a world that desperately needs a win right now and we put COVID-19 in our rearview mirrors.
