A little over a month ago, it was revealed that GamesCom 2021 would try to go back to the traditional, holding a hybrid event, with digital presentations and in-person activities for visitors. Apparently, the situation of the coronavirus pandemic in Germany, where the event usually takes place, is still not stable enough for the gathering of people in closed places, so the organizers of the event decided to carry it out completely in digital version.
In an official statement, the organizers revealed that the decision was made after long discussions with partners and exhibitors, considering that many companies are unable to participate in physical events this year because of the situation of the pandemic.
The 2021 edition of GamesCom will begin with “Gamescom: Opening Night Live”, presented by Geoff Keighley on 25 August. Followed by the two main days of the event on 26 and 27 August. Gamescom Now will also be completely refurbished with several new tools for visitors and partners.
The cancellation of the GamesCom 2021 in-person version is in line with the announcement of the digital version of E3, which takes place between June 12 and 15, 2021. In addition, this also raises suspicions about the upcoming San Diego Comic-Con, which confirmed an in-person edition in California between November 26 and 28, 2021.