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Gamescom 2021 will be a hybrid event with reduced physical capacity

The show will take place in Cologne from August 25-29

Gamescom 2021 will be a hybrid event with reduced physical capacity

Gamescom 2021’s organisers have announced that they’re planning for this year’s show to be a hybrid event combining digital elements with on-site events.

While Gamescom 2020 was a digital-only event, organisers Koelnmesse and the German Games Industry Association (GAME) said on Thursday that they intend to welcome fans and industry professionals back for this year’s show, which will take place in Cologne from August 25-29.

Gamescom 2021 will feature an entertainment area designed to host a reduced number of on-site visitors compared to previous years. It will operate a digital queue management system designed to safely enable consumers to test out the latest games.

It will also include an arena for special programme items such as esport competitions and cosplay shows, plus an expanded business area for trade visitors.

The event will once again kick off with Gamescom: Opening Night Live, which attracted over two million simultaneous viewers in 2020, according to the show’s organisers.

Gamescom 2021 will be a hybrid event with reduced physical capacity
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“In late summer, we are striving to make an on-site gamescom event possible for the gaming fans again at last,” GAME managing director Felix Falk said. “We will hereby be placing a focus on the superfans and the on-site testing of the latest games this year.

“At the same time, gamescom 2021 will once again reach millions of people worldwide as a result of the further developed digital offers.”

Koelnmesse chief operating officer Oliver Frese also commented: “I am confident that we will be able to offer the visitors as well as the exhibitors of gamescom 2021 a safe and eventful trade fair experience with our safety concept, #B-SAFE4business that has already been tested at smaller events.

“At the same time, we will make use of the experiences we gained in the course of gamescom 2020 and other trade fairs such as the DMEXCO @home to effectively bring the fans, trade visitors and exhibitors together online for gamescom 2021. Because one thing is clear: Hybrid events will shape the future.”