Sony Interactive Entertainment will be absent from Gamescom 2024, the industry giant confirmed. This marks the third year in a row that PlayStation will miss the major gaming event held in Cologne, Germany. Their last in-person attendance was in 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic. While Sony won’t be at Gamescom, gamers can likely expect another State of Play digital presentation later this year.
No to Gamescom for PlayStation
So yes, according to reports, there is to be no Gamescon for PlayStation once again. However, their most recent State of Play in May generated excitement with reveals like the upcoming Astro Bot for PlayStation 5. This successor to Astro’s Playroom boasts over 50 planets to explore and a mission to rescue more than 150 iconic PlayStation characters. E3’s cancellation has led publishers to adopt new strategies for game and hardware announcements. Some have opted for dedicated annual showcases, while others utilize week-long events like Summer Game Fest.
Nintendo backed out too
Sony isn’t alone in skipping Gamescom 2024. Nintendo will also reportedly miss the event, according to Games Wirtschaft and Eurogamer, deciding on their absence after “careful consideration.” “Gamescom is a valuable event, and we assess Nintendo’s participation every year,” a Nintendo representative explained. “Following a comprehensive review, we decided not to attend Gamescom 2024. Players will still have opportunities to try Nintendo Switch games at other events throughout the year.” This year’s Gamescom kicks off with Opening Night Live on August 20, followed by the main show running from August 21 to 25.
Absence explained
Sony and Nintendo’s absence from Gamescom 2024 could be due to several reasons. The pandemic disrupted traditional announcement methods, leading them to favor their own digital showcases like State of Play and Nintendo Direct. The high costs of attending Gamescom might be outweighed by the wider reach and lower overhead of online events. They could also be saving big reveals for dedicated company showcases or prioritizing announcements in other regions. Development cycles might not have produced enough content for a Gamescom showing, or (in Nintendo’s case) there could be lingering tension from past leaks. With the industry adapting to new announcement strategies, Gamescom will still be a major event, but the absence of these two raises questions about its future.
