Gamescon 2021: Annual Video Game Trade Fair Pushes Through as Virtual Event With Limited In-Person Participants

Most of the major live events in the gaming industry in 2020 have either been canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic or were forced to switch to a fully online format.

Events that usually bring fans out in droves like BlizzCon and The Game Awards 2020 went digital for the safety of everyone that is involved. But as 2021 progresses, gamers may see some conventions and shows bringing back in-person events, although participants will be strictly limited.

Gamescom 2021 won't be different. It was also announced on Thursdaym, Mar. 18, that Geoff Keighley would again host the Opening Night Live broadcast.

Gamescom 2021 will go virtual

The Gamescom 2021 will be a hybrid digital and physical event, which means that organizers and security personnel will manage a massive gathering space like the entertainment area to follow the safety guidelines. Digital queues are also seen as a possible solution to help control the flow of people into the area.

The event organizers Koelnmesse and the German Games Industry Association have indicated that there are also strict rules in place concerning the construction of the booths at the gaming event, and if COVID-19 cases increase again before August, Gamescom 2021 will be forced to go fully digital.

According to Engadget, the first day of Gamescom won't be held until Aug. 25, while the Opening Night Live show will be held on Aug. 24, Wednesday, and will have the usual variety of game announcements.

Gamescom 2021 will run until Aug. 29, Sunday, and those interested in attending Gamescom will be able to purchase tickets starting in May. However, the number of tickets available will be reduced to keep the event from overcrowding.

Geoff Keighley posted on his Twitter account the confirmation of his presence as host of the Opening Night Live segment and told gamers to expect more information about the event soon.

First gaming show with in-person elements

Gamescom 2021 will be the first major gaming show that would allow people in since the coronavirus pandemic began. This may result in other live events following suit.

However, there are still major event organizers this year that do not feel comfortable gathering people together for any physical activities.

In February, the E3 2021 live events portion of the show was canceled and was moved to a digital event yet again. The City of Los Angeles seems to be sticking to that announcement, too.

Although the continued release of COVID-19 vaccines makes the rest of 20201 seem better, there are still a lot of precautions being taken right now in the entertainment industry to help combat the spread of the virus.

The film and TV industries have struggled to keep up a steady output of content, although a lot of projects have been delayed.

In December 2020, the National Academy of Arts and Sciences announced that the Daytime Emmys and other awards shows will all be virtual this year, and there are no live portions scheduled, as reported by IGN.

Whether Gamescom 2021 will be able to stick to the hybrid digital and physical event plan is still unclear, but if the summer sees lower COVID-19 cases and better knowledge of the coronavirus, Gamescom could be a step closer to normalcy for gamers everywhere.

This article is owned by Tech Times

Written by Sieeka Khan