Gamescom is arguably the biggest videogame related event in the world. It gathers a sizeably larger attendance than E3 – mostly because unlike that industry-focused event, it opens its doors to the public. This year, Major players Nintendo and Microsoft won’t be making an appearance – leaving some wondering if that show, like E3, is losing relevance.
Koelnmesse’s communications manager, Franko Fischer has said that the giants’ lack of participation hasn’t really affected the show – there are still 370 exhibitors at the show – including Sony and EA.
“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.”
I don’t think Microsoft’s absence will be particularly missed this year – but Nintendo’s choice to give it a skip – on the eve of the launch of their new Wii U – is a bit of a strange decision.
Last Updated: June 29, 2012
