As Germany bans large events through August.
It seems this year’s Gamescom will not be taking place as usual, as major events are being prohibited until 31st August as part of the German government’s coronavirus response.
The news comes from the German Press Agency (via Süddeutsche Zeitung), which says the German Prime Minister and Chancellor Angela Merkel agreed to prohibit all large events at a conference earlier today. Specific regulations concerning the size of events are due to be made by the federal states, but given Gamescom pulled in over 370k visitors in 2018, I think it’s fair to say it will be included in the ban.
Gamescom had previously announced plans to continue preparations for its 2020 event “as planned”, albeit while following the recommendations of the authorities. Gamescom is yet to publicly comment on the latest development, but it previously promised a “significantly-expanded” digital show, which may now form the entirety of Gamescom 2020. If the event is indeed cancelled by Koelnmesse, ticket holders will be reimbursed.
A short update on the current situation:
?????????? pic.twitter.com/nZH3qMMVvj— gamescom (@gamescom) March 16, 2020
The Cologne-based show is only the latest in a long line of gaming events to be affected by social distancing measures: GDC, E3 and EGX Rezzed include just some of the major events to have been cancelled or delayed.
