In news that should surprise no one, another video game event has been cancelled due to the on-going COVID-19 pandemic affecting people worldwide. The event organizers of gamescom have announced today that gamescom 2020 is effectively cancelled, and is now being transitioned to a digital show.

This was announced via the event’s official Twitter account:

Official statement regarding #gamescom2020 ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/fHaN4GOULM

— gamescom (@gamescom) April 16, 2020

Dear gamescom community,

It’s official: unfortunately, gamescom will under no circumstances take place on site in Cologne this year. Just like many of you, we are disappointed, because, as the gamescom team, we have been working on a wonderful gamescom 2020 for months, just like the many exhibitors. However, it is also quite clear to us that, in the face of the corona pandemic, we must stand united. This means that we must all be considerate of each other and reduce the risk of infection.

We are, however, already working full speed on a digital gamescom. It is, after all, the world’s biggest event for games, and that’s what it should be again this year. You can already look forward to how we will celebrate the best games and gamescom together with you and millions of gamers worldwide at the end of August, even if it will only be digital and not on location this time. Because one thing is certain: this year too, gamescom is and will remain “The Heart of Gaming”!

We will reveal more about this in the next few weeks. Until then, stay healthy and don’t forget to #StayHomePlayTogether!

Your gamescom team

For those that already bought tickets, all paid tickets will be refunded and will be arranged in the coming weeks. People have “nothing further” they need to do.