Impact of Microsoft and Nintendo skipping gamescom is "not that big," says Fischer

Koelnmesse’s communications manager, Franko Fischer, has said Microsoft and Nintendo skipping out on gamescom this year hasn't had a large impact on the show.

Speaking with MCV, Fischer said while it would be grand if Microsoft and Nintendo were attending, with over 370 exhibitors coming to the show, the no-show will be inconsequential in the end.

"If you look at concrete figures, so far gamescom is stable – especially in terms of exhibitor space and numbers," he said. "At this point of preparing for the show, we have more than 370 exhibitors – which is 20% up when compared with this point last year, and gamescom is increasing its international scope with our new partner country Korea, as well as more country pavilions and more companies within them that offer new business ideas to attendees, no matter where they’re from.

"So when you look at the facts and figures, the impact is not that big. Of course we would like to have Microsoft and Nintendo joining gamescom, definitely. But, as you know, this year the industry seems to be waiting for the new generation of consoles. You could tell they were waiting at other games shows, like E3.

"And that might be why Microsoft and Nintendo are focusing instead on their own events."

Fischer said trade shows, in general "reflect the market," and new companies from a wider range of gaming segments are starting to gain popularity and will be attending the show.

"Those are all covered at Gamescom and this helps us to keep on being the leader that we are in this space."

gamescom takes place August 15 - 19 in Cologne, Germany.