Gamescom ditches 'hybrid' plan, will stay fully digital for 2021

(Image credit: Gamescom)

Gamescom organizers have announced that despite their best efforts to put together a "hybrid" show for 2021 that would include some form of in-person attendance, this year's event—like last year—will be fully digital. The decision was made after talks with partners and exhibitors revealed that too many of them simply aren't yet prepared to take part in physical events.

"Even though the hybrid concept was very well received by the partners, we had to recognize that Gamescom still comes too early for many companies in the industry due to the required planning reliability," Koelnmesse chief operating officer Oliver Frese said. "One thing is absolutely clear: All those involved now need planning reliability. That's why we're going for a purely digital Gamescom again this year and, with sufficient lead time, will be able to offer the gaming community an even stronger online event at the end of August 2021."

It's not a terribly surprising decision. Despite the development of multiple vaccines, the Covid-19 pandemic is an ongoing health care crisis and remains out of control in large parts of the world. Other major industry events including E3, GDC, and PAX East have also pulled the plug on live events planned for 2021.

As with the 2020 event, Gamescom 2021 will kick off with an Opening Night Live show hosted by (of course) Geoff Keighley, which will take place on August 25. Leading up to that will be something called Gamescom Epix, "a community campaign that allows fans to playfully immerse themselves in the Gamescom universe on the road to Gamescom." Details on all of it can be had at gamescom.global.

Andy has been gaming on PCs from the very beginning, starting as a youngster with text adventures and primitive action games on a cassette-based TRS80. From there he graduated to the glory days of Sierra Online adventures and Microprose sims, ran a local BBS, learned how to build PCs, and developed a longstanding love of RPGs, immersive sims, and shooters. He began writing videogame news in 2007 for The Escapist and somehow managed to avoid getting fired until 2014, when he joined the storied ranks of PC Gamer. He covers all aspects of the industry, from new game announcements and patch notes to legal disputes, Twitch beefs, esports, and Henry Cavill. Lots of Henry Cavill.