Gamescom heading to Asia in 2020

Koelnmesse has announced plans to hold a Gamescom convention in Asia in 2020.

Taking place at Suntec Singapore Convention Center, it will feature a two-day trade-only conference on October 15-16, overlapping with a three-day trade and public exhibition from October 16-18.

Koelnmesse said Gamescom Asia “will be the premier platform for Asian game developers to explore partnerships globally, and a hub for international publishers who are looking for the next big thing in games”.

The public exhibition will include “eSports events, a showcase of emerging technologies in video games, gaming workshops, meet-and-greet sessions, cosplay theatrics and much more”, it added.

Gamescom, held annually in Cologne since 2009, is the world’s biggest gaming expo. According to organiser Koelnmesse, 2018’s event attracted 370,000 attendees, including over 31,000 trade visitors from 106 countries. It also hosted over 1,000 exhibitors from 56 countries.

This August, Gamescom 2019 will launch with a new livestreamed event produced by Geoff Keighley and Kimmie H. Kim, executive producers of annual industry show The Game Awards.

Titled Gamescom: Opening Night Live, it will air on Monday August 19, ahead of the trade fair running from August 20 to August 24 in Cologne.

Blizzard recently said it won’t have a booth at Gamescom “as part of a renewed effort this year” to maintain its focus on development.