Sony, like Nintendo, Activision Blizzard and Take-Two, will not return to the German event that this year recovers its activities with a physical presence.
Sony Interactive Entertainment has announced that it will not have a presence at Gamescom 2022, according to German outlet Games Wirtschaft. This year’s event takes place between August 24 and 28 and is the first with a physical presence since 2019 in an attempt to return to normal after two years of the pandemic.
The decision isn’t too surprising given that Nintendo, Activision Blizzard, and Take-Two also confirmed they wouldn’t be returning to this year’s show; Yes, more than 250 companies will do so, including Bandai Namco, THQ Nordic and Koch Media. According to VGC speculates , the main problem is that many developers have simply stopped creating public demonstrations – they require effort and time – for this type of appointment, so many publishers do not have much material to carry for the physical space. In addition, the times of COVID-19 have promoted the creation of digital presentations that replace traditional events.
Gamescom itself has adapted to the new times and will have a hybrid format, with a physical presence in Cologne and online activities that include Gamescom Opening Night Live, an opening gala that can be followed on August 23.