The organizers behind the yearly gamescom conference have abandoned their previous plans to host a hybrid event that would offer both digital and physical shows. Now, the presentation and surrounding events aimed at developers will once again be all digital like last year, with Koelnmesse and the German Games Industry Association going for this route after "extensive discussions with partners and exhibitors".
Last year"s gamescom showcase had drawn in over 50 million viewers from 180 countries, featuring content from 370 partners. As expected, the organizers plan to have even bigger attractions for 2021.
Moreover, the "gamescom now" hub, which features all the new content being revealed and presented at the show, has been "completely relaunched" to present "a revamped and significantly improved user interface, customizable schedules, numerous live streams, events, shows and information about all the games and gamescom partners."
This year @gamescom will once again be all digital.
— Geoff Keighley (@geoffkeighley) May 5, 2021
It will kick off with Opening Night Live, which I am producing again on Wednesday, August 25 -- as a free livestream for everyone around the world.
Get more details at https://t.co/KRzKTQwi40 pic.twitter.com/r2uDZPiSS3
The free showcase will begin on August 25 and continue through August 29. Geoff Keighley will kick off the show with "Gamescom: Opening Night Live", airing World Premieres and news regarding upcoming games. This will be followed by the main event that will run for two days across August 26 and 27.
Keep in mind that before gamescom 2021 kicks off in August with its own announcements, E3 will open its doors next month after a year"s break for a reimagined digital event of its own.