Gamescom 2020 officially cancelled, will be replaced by digital event

Gamescom 2020 as a live event has been officially cancelled, organisers have confirmed.

While it was pretty much certain after Germany banned all major events until the end of August, the organisers of Gamescom have confirmed this year’s show won’t go ahead. 

“It’s official,” a statement reads. “Unfortunately, games com 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 we must all be considerate of each other and reduce the risk of infection.”

They have however confirmed they are “working at full speed” on a digital replacement event, with more details set to be released in the coming weeks. 

“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,” the statement adds. 

All tickets purchased for Gamescom 2020 will be refunded via Koelnmesse. 

This comes after the cancellation of E3 2020, which also recently scrapped any plans for a digital event. 

There will however still be some game conferences happening in an online capacity, with Microsoft and Ubisoft both confirming they'll have online presentations in its wake.