Gamescom 2021 switches from hybrid event to online only

It appears gamescom 2021 will no longer be a hybrid event and will instead be all digital.

The German Games Industry Association has decided to hold gamescom 2021 entirely online this year.

This decision was made after "extensive discussions with partners and exhibitors," due to the current situation. Because of this, too many companies are unable to participate in physical events this year.

So instead of being part live and part digital, the event this year will be held exclusively digitally and free of charge.

The show will once again kick off with gamescom: Opening Night Live hosted by Geoff Keighley on Wednesday, August 25.

The gamescom now content hub is also being completely relaunched with a "more attractive design" and has numerous additional features for viewers and partners.  The platform has been completely relaunched both in terms of content and technically. You can expect a revamped and "significantly improved" user interface, customizable schedules, numerous live streams, events, shows, and information about all the games and partners.

There will also be something called “gamescom Epix,” a community campaign that allows fans to “immerse themselves in the gamescom universe." It will find viewers taking on "epic quests together" with the entire community via social media activities allowing fans to interact with content and partners before gamescom week and collect points to win unique prizes.

Gamescom 2021 takes place August 26-27.

Last year's event saw over 100 million video views across all formats and channels, more than 50 million unique users from 180 countries, and 370 partners from 44 countries.