Update from March 17th, 12:30 p.m.
We have extensively revised the report and filled it with new information from the organizer.
The corona virus not only keeps a firm grip on the video game industry. After this year's E3 was canceled, the Ministry of Health advises you to leave the house as rarely as possible. The City of Cologne currently prohibits events for over 1,000 people. But what about this year's gamescom 2020?
Find the gaming fair that scheduled for August 25-29 is at all taking place? We asked the organizers of the video game fair.
On the official website for gamescom 2020, the organizers have already announced that preparations are currently "proceeding as planned". Those responsible for the fair are aware of the situation and the dangers posed by Covid-19 and, according to their own statements, are in constant and regular exchange with the responsible authorities.
Accordingly, it is currently assumed that gamescom 2020 will take place in Cologne or could – provided that the situation improves, which stops the risk of coronavirus infection and removes the ban on events for over 1,000 people. After all, gamescom usually visit up to 100,000 people a day.
However, it is emphasized in the official statement and also towards us that the health of all participants and the protection of all visitors and organizers is a "top priority". Accordingly, it cannot be ruled out that the gamescom 2020 could be canceled or at least postponed
A short update on the current situation:
?????????? pic.twitter.com/nZH3qMMVvj– gamescom (@gamescom) March 16, 2020
Despite this risk of a cancellation or postponement of gamescom 2020, ticket sales have already officially started. That is why it is interesting for video game fans and trade fair visitors, among other things, how a postponement or cancellation of the fair affects the tickets they have purchased.
However, it is all the more important what measures the organizers of gamescom 2020 are planningto prevent or at least reduce the risk of a coronavirus infection at the exhibition.
Hereinafter we answer the most important questions about gamescom 2020 and the corona virus. We rely on the official information that those responsible for the video game fair have sent us, but also the public statements that have already been shared.
Why are tickets already available despite the current Corona situation?
The organizers of gamescom 2020 emphasize that the gamescom 2020 according to the status of March 16, 2020 from August 25 to 29. To this end, those responsible are in constant contact with their customers, "take into account the current requirements of the federal and state governments regarding major events" and "carefully weigh up their decisions".
Preparations for gamescom 2020 for the scheduled date from August 25th to 29th will continue as originally planned.
What is the probability of a cancellation or postponement?
The trade fair organizers do not want to make a concrete assessment of the probability of a cancellation. However, it is currently difficult to predict to what extent the risk of the corona virus will decrease in the coming months and whether the ban on events for more than 1,000 people will be lifted.
For this, however, those responsible at gamescom 2020 are in a "constant exchange with the federal and state governments" to ensure the health and safety of everyone involved.
What are the alternative plans, should gamescom 2020 be postponed or canceled?
The people responsible for gamescom 2020 did not say anything to us about what the alternative plans for gamescom 2020 should look like if the trade fair was canceled or postponed. There are currently on official channels no information.
Do pre-orderers get their money back, should gamescom 2020 be canceled or postponed?
If you have already bought gamescom tickets and the video game fair is canceled or banned, you have the option of yours Return tickets and get your money back. The organizers of gamescom 2020 confirmed us as follows:
"Should the gamescom again be postponed or canceled by Koelnmesse, the buyers will be reimbursed for all visitor tickets that have already been paid for. Voucher codes are no longer valid and will be made available for new events."
What measures are planned to ensure the safety of visitors?
The organizers of gamescom 2020 expect the video game fair to take place at the end of August. It is questionable, however, that the corona virus has been averted by then. That is why measures are already being defined on how to Protect visitors and organizers from a possible infection would like to:
"At our exhibition center, we provide sensible prophylactic measures and inform our customers accordingly. In the sanitary locations and at central locations on the exhibition center, we provide additional dispensers with disinfectants. In addition, heavily frequented areas are cleaned with increased frequency.
Qualified doctors and paramedics in our medical stations are prepared for possible suspected cases and are available on site to answer any questions. If there is a suspicion during the event, all spatial and organizational precautions have been taken at the exhibition center to take immediate remedial action. "
How does the current coronavirus situation affect the preparations for the fair?
There seems to be little change in the current preparations for the fair for gamescom 2020 – apart from the increased hygiene measures and the constant exchange with the state or federal government as well as with customers and exhibitors and the Ministry of Health.
In fact, they fall Exhibitor bookings almost six percent higher than in 2019 »Good«, while as of March 16, 2020 there were already over 200 registrations from 29 countries.
With the current danger of the corona virus and measures taken by the government to prevent further infections, we also want to know from you: Have you already bought or booked your tickets and accommodation for gamescom 2020? Let us know your answer as part of our survey on gamescom 2020 and the corona virus.
Of course, we also want to know your opinion in the comments.
22:31
No E3 2020 – and therefore no Gamescom, PS5 or Xbox Series X?
How Corona Affects the Video Game Industry
The corona virus currently affects all of us. However, while governments and health ministries are taking quarantine measures to slow the spread of Covid-19, the pandemic also has immediate impact on the video game industry.
In addition to the E3 2020, the PAX East, GDC and larger e-sports tournaments were also canceled – or at least not in the form that was originally intended. In addition, numerous developers are now working from home to accommodate the increased number of players due to the quarantine.
However, video players can also actively join in the fight against the corona virus: For example, Nvidia is asking players worldwide to use the computing power of their gaming PCs for research on Covid-19.
more on the subject
Nvidia wants you to use your gaming PC against the corona virus
Specifically, this works via the Folding @ home program and in the meantime the willingness to help of the gaming community was so high that the folding server collapsed under the high rush of players.
Coronavirus information and protections
The Federal Health Administration offers a comprehensive FAQ on the subject of coronavirus, as well as daily news and instructions on protection against infection. You can also reach the independent patient advice service on the following telephone number: 0800 011 77 22
Table of Contents