Gamescom 2020 has not been canceled. Well, not fully anyway. The main conference that would have seen thousands attend in person has been cancelled but in its stead, a digital gamescom 2020 will take place. The news comes after Germany extended its nationwide ban on major events to the end of August in an attempt to curb the spread of COVID 19. While details are still being established on limits and what is classed as a major event gamescom would more than likely fall in that category. After all in 2019 an approximate 370,000 people attended the conference to get a look at the latest games.
The official gamescom Twitter account posted the following:
❗ Even though not all details are known at present, the nationwide ban on major events until the end of August will also affect the planning for #gamescom2020. Furthermore: gamescom 2020 will definitely take place digitally! We will provide further information shortly. ❗
— gamescom (@gamescom) April 15, 2020
Event organisers Koelnmesse has previously stated that gamescom 2020 would go ahead, while keeping a close eye on the pandemic as well as following any laws and acts passed by the German government. The company has not wanted to cancel the event and by confirming a digital alternative instead gamescom 2020 will be one of the few gaming events taking place this year. However, this will raise the issues of refunds of tickets and fees by attendees and exhibitioners which Koelnmesse will have to figure out. The only statement put out previously by the company said this about refunds:
“Should gamescom be postponed or cancelled by Koelnmess, all ticket purchasers of the official ticket shop will be reimbursed for the already paid visitor tickets. Voucher codes lose their validity and will be made available again for new events.”
It is not yet clear what the policy will now be as the event is moving to a digital format so has not technically been postponed or cancelled. The digital event may also have issues. After all, E3 was supposed to be going digital this year after the conference itself was cancelled but the online experience was shelved due to the fact publishers are planning to hold their own events.
Source: Twitter
