The coronavirus pandemic was responsible for many large-scale events needing to be reworked into being digital events or being canceled altogether last year. Companies and organizations the world over have managed to adapt and embraced holding their planned events digitally, such as Gamescom which still managed to host some game reveals like a new Dragon Age 4 teaser. However, this year, Gamescom's aiming to be held physically again, albeit with some major changes.
According to Gamescom organizers Koelnmesse and the German Games Industry Association, it will be a physical/digital hybrid event. While there will be several digital elements for those who can't attend the event in-person for one reason or another, including an online meeting point called Gamescom Now, it will be held in the usual location of Cologne, Germany in August.
With the coronavirus pandemic still ongoing and causing disruptions at anywhere with large gatherings like film sets (like the new Fantastic Beasts movie), Gamescom will be taking precautions to ensure those who do attend it physically will be safe and protected. The entertainment area, for example, is being designed for a reduced amount of visitors and will be focused on allowing visitors to test new games being demonstrated at the show, with a digital queue management system to be used to control crowds.
Other measures include hygiene and distancing rules and regulations on stand construction, which have been developed in accordance with the provisions of the corona protection ordinance of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and in close coordination with the authorities in Cologne. Koelnmesse adds that should the pandemic worsen to the point where it becomes impossible to safely hold an on-site event, when the physical side will be canceled and Gamescom will strictly be digital-only again.
Full details can be read on the official website but, all in all, it's clear that even if everything goes according to plan, this year's event will be smaller than in previous years. There will be less tickets available for the event and not all of the former exhibitors will be allowed to participate either due to the focus on gameplay stations.
One person who is most definitely coming back is Geoff Keighley, who will once again be hosting Gamescom Opening Night Live. He announced his return earlier today, promising another showcase of new announcements and surprises. At this point, it's obviously too early to tell what sort of games can be expected.
One might be wondering what's going on with E3 2021, which is perceived as the biggest gaming event of the year. After it was forced to cancel last year, it sounds like it will be back on again come June. But, despite plans for it to be live, Los Angeles city documents seemed to confirm that it had been canceled again, meaning E3 will have to go digital if it wants to actually run this year.
Gamescom 2021 is scheduled to run from August 25th - August 29th.
Source: Gamescom