Like other video game fairs around the world, Gamelab 2020 It will not be held in person in the city of Barcelona as it has been happening since 2011. The organizers have chosen the digital formula "after evaluating the evolution of the pandemic, as well as the sanitary guidelines". Gamelab Barcelona 2020 Live will be celebrated between June 23 and 25 with broadcasts through the internet, whose viewing will be gratuitous.
From Gamelab they point out that the format "perfectly suits the nature of the digital entertainment industry itself." As in previous editions, the International Congress of Videogames and Interactive Leisure be focused "especially professionals", but also to the "amateur public" and students.
Those interested may register "soon" through the Gamelab website, a process free "for major conferences". However, other talks and services "with a more specialized and networking character" will be paid, although with a lower price than in previous years. The rate will have "a discount greater than 80%, as a support measure and with the intention of making this section more accessible to the entire sector."
The digital event is not to stay, but as the only option to celebrate the appointment this year. The objective of the organization is "return to Barcelona with greater force if possible in its next edition". As in the previous nine years, Gamelab will host National Video Game Industry Awards, where the "Fleas" award is presented to "the most outstanding projects developed by studios and professionals in Spain during the past year".
E3 2020, canceled; and Gamescom 2020 in digital format
Like other industrial sectors, the video game has been plagued by the coronavirus pandemic. The main western events have been canceled or postponed, as happened with the GDC 2020, planned for March and that will finally be held in the summer (although talks and awards were broadcast online).
The E3 2020, organized by the Entertainment Software Association, the North American industry employer, tried to reach an agreement with the main publishers to do a digital edit; Negotiations failed, and companies like Microsoft and Ubisoft will hold events of their own on similar dates. The Gamescom 2020 European will be held only digitally on unconfirmed dates; It was initially planned between August 25 and 29.
