With the likes of GDC and the Tapei Games Show having to cancel their showcases due to the current spread of the coronavirus, it’s evident that a lot of other major annual gaming events are currently considering whether to go ahead in the wake of such a serious epidemic. However, it seems a number of conventions will be powering ahead regardless of concerns surrounding the coronavirus, with the likes ofE3and Seattle’s Emerald City Comic-Con announcing that they’d still be opening their doors regardless.
It seems another event will be joining them as well, withGamescomannouncing that it too will still hold its yearly gathering in Germany later this year. This news will no doubt be a big relief to fans, especially asGamescomis often regarded as one of the gaming calender’s biggest showcases and an incredibly popular platform for developers to show off their newest games.
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Issuing a statement to IGN, a representative of Koelnmesse, the venue and organizer behind Gamescom, claimed that “The consequences of the coronavirus, which is now occurring almost worldwide, also affect our Koelnmesse events. The health of all trade fair participants, customers and partners is paramount.” According to the representative, three events scheduled to take place at the venue have already been canceled as a result, with these being The International Hardware Fair, FIBO and IAW.
However, they go on to confirm that this shouldn’t affect other upcoming shows, including Gamescom, citing “with a view to all other trade fairs planned in Cologne, we are in constant contact with our customers. For each individual event, we will evaluate the recommendations of the Federal Government regarding major events and, as before, we will make our decisions after careful consideration. In this respect, preparations for our upcoming events in Cologne are continuing.” This is no doubt great news for Gamescom, showing that the event will likely still take place regardless of the spread of thecoronavirus.
As many will no doubt know, the highly infectious nature of the illness has lead to a number of unpredictable side effects. These have included the aforementioned postponing of GDC, the cancellation of South Korean Overwatch League matches, and even causingthe release date of the upcomingJames Bond: No Time To Dieto be delayed. While it’s no doubt disappointing that so many big events have been affected by the epidemic, fans should remember that its all for the safety of the events' attendees, who will no doubt benefit in the long run.
Gamescomwill take place on August 25 later this year.
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