The COVID-19 pandemic may be slowing, but convention officials are still a bit skeptical about large in-person events. For the second year, Gamescom will be forgoing a hybrid version of their event in favor of an all-digital convention.
“Even though the hybrid concept was very well received by the partners, we had to recognize that Gamescom still comes too early for many companies in the industry due to the required planning reliability,”, said COO of Koelnmesse, Oliver Frese. “That’s why we’re going for a purely digital Gamescom again this year.”
While the news of an all-digital event may be disappointing to fans, organizers have promised “an even stronger online event at the end of August 2021.” Along with the online-only aspect of the convention, the event has been scaled back by two days. The original hybrid event was to run from August 25-29, however, the new dates are August 25-27, with August 25 being the Gamescom: Opening Night Live event. No other specifics on scheduling have been announced as of writing.
