Gamescom is one of the most iconic events of the European gaming community. The organizers of the event had held the event online last year, with plans for a hybrid event in 2021. The German Games Industry Association and Koelnmesse announced back in March that they will try a new hybrid format for this year’s event. Their original plan was to have a few on-site events, along with some online elements. The decision was no doubt prompted by the pandemic situation last year.

However, in a recent press release, the German Games Industry Association has announced that the event will be entirely online, for two years in a row now.

Now, since the situation has gone back to being worse in various parts of the world, this seems like the best course to take. Oliver Frese, the Chief Operating Officer of Koelnmesse, explained this decision in the press release:

“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. 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.”

Furthermore, the organizers have decided that this year’s event will be entirely free of cost.

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Further reading: Activision Blizzard’s First Quarter Report Reveals Astronomical Growth Thanks to Call of Duty Mobile and Warzon

Gamescom 2021: dates, format, and more

The organizers have arranged for a lot more than the event itself! First off, there is the Gamescom Epix. Here is what the official site tells us about this:

“Through interactive quests, fans can playfully interact with Gamescom 2021 content even before Gamescom and collect points to snag unique prizes.”

Now, these prizes will be available only when the event commences. Until then, they will reside safely in the Gamescom vault.

In addition to this, of course, there is the Opening Night Live. Last year, the Opening Night of the event fetched over two million fans. With all the efforts the organizers are putting in, it might just be a bigger success this year.

Producer Geoff Keighley says: “Gaming fans worldwide can already look forward to this year’s 3/4 gamescom: Opening Night Live. After last year’s great success, the interest of developers is huge to be able to present their world premieres in the ONL this year and thus become an important part of gamescom 2021.” 

This year’s event will kick off with the Opening Night Live on the 25th of August, Wednesday. The main event days will be taking place on the 26th and the 27th respectively.