Gamescom 2020 physical event cancelled due to coronavirus concerns, digital event planned

Gamescom 2020 will no longer be held as a physical event at the Koelnmesse in Cologne, Germany this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but will take place as a digital event, organizers Koelnmesse and Game – The German Games Industry Association announced.

Geoff Keighely also confirmed that this year’s “Gamescom: Opening Night Live” show will now be an all-digital show streamed live on August 24.

Get the full statement below.

Dear Gamescom community,

It’s official: unfortunately, Gamescom will under no circumstances take place on site in Cologne this year. Just like many of you, we are disappointed, because, as the Gamescom team, we have been working on a wonderful Gamescom 2020 for months, just like the many exhibitors. However, it is also quite clear to us that, in the face of the corona pandemic, we must stand united. This means that we must all be considerate of each other and reduce the risk of infection.

We are, however, working at full speed on a digital Gamescom. It is, after all, the world’s biggest event for games, and that’s what it should be again this year. You can already look forward to how we will celebrate the best games and Gamescom together with you and millions of gamers worldwide at the end of August, even if it will only be digital and not on location this time. Because one thing is certain: this year, too, Gamescom is and will remain “The Heart of Gaming”!

We will reveal more about this in the next few weeks. Until then, stay healthy and don’t forget to #StayHomePlayTogether!

Your Gamescom team.

Regarding already purchased tickets: All paid tickets will be refunded. Koelnmesse will arrange this centrally in the coming weeks. There is nothing further for you to do.