Gamescom 2021 is rolling out as a 'hybrid' event - here's how

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• Gamescom 2021 is rolling out as a 'hybrid' event - here's how

Gamescom 2021 continues and is expected to be a "hybrid" event, taking place both "onsite in Cologne and online around the world" from August 25-29, 2021. According to a press release sent to TechRadar by organizer Verband der deutschen Games-Branche, Gamescom will this year offer "a combination of a business platform for the industry, a unique hands-on experience for fans and a comprehensive security concept." The press release doesn't go into detail about exactly which elements of the show will be on-venue and which will be live, but it appears the show will run on both, potentially offering attendees the same experiences as either online or offline. in person. in the same way that the show took place last year. According to the statement, which includes a "hybrid concept of Gamescom 2021", the show is expected to take place as a physical event while respecting the Covid-19 restrictions. Some of these plans include an entertainment area specially designed for a small number of visitors to the place. This entertainment space will focus "on trying new games live on the spot" and will also include a digital queue management system. There are also plans for an "event arena" that will provide space for esports and cosplay competitions. The concept also confirms that there are plans for announcement shows like Opening Night Live, a showcase hosted by Geoff Keighley, and Gamescom Studio to return this year. Furthermore, the scope of the conference should be expanded to allow for "optimal network conditions", while a "first online B2B platform" called Gamescom biz should be rolled out to enable online networking. "With our business safety concept #B-SAFE4 and the optimized number of visitors, we guarantee the required safety in the field, even during COVID-19," the press release reads.

How to get tickets

(Image credit: Gamescom) Gamescom is one of the only gaming conferences to be held this year regardless of physical capacity, and events like E3 will be canceled for yet another year. According to the press release, Gamescom 2021 tickets will go on sale "early summer 2021", so we expect them to go on sale between May and June. Although prices are to be confirmed, these tickets can be purchased at the Gamescom box office, although it seems (one way or another) that priority will be given to super fans. “At the end of the summer, we are striving to finally make an on-site Gamescom event possible for game fans,” said Felix Falk, Managing Director Games - Association of the German Games Industry and co-organizer of Gamescom. “We are hereby going to focus on the superfans and on-site testing of the last few games this year. "At the same time, Gamescom 2021 will once again reach millions of people around the world through the development of digital offerings. The results of community surveys confirm this concept, which we have developed in close collaboration with many of the largest exhibitors. important". There is no doubt that the preparations for all involved will be much more demanding than usual given this particular situation. But the enthusiasm of the gaming community is well worth it."