Sony, arguably the biggest rock in the gaming industry, continues its hardened ways by bucking the trend and confirming that it will skip Gamescom 2023.
This news, by way of GamesMrkt, a German publication, continues Sony’s recent pivot towards digital showcases instead of troubling itself with the fiscal and logistical burdens of physically attending industry exhibitions.
Gamescom’s prominence annually makes it one of the most notable presences in the video game industry. Set in Cologne, Germany, the event has attracted major industry players and gaming aficionados over the years. In fact, it was the event chosen by Valve to unveil Dota 2 to the public and host the very first The International, which has since gone on to become the most prestigious esports event in history.
Despite its acclaim, Sony has chosen to skip Gamescom since 2019, even before the recent pandemic forced businesses to reconsider their physical event strategies.
The pandemic has since eased, but Sony remains committed to its current approach, making it unlikely that fans will get a hands-on experience of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 in Germany ahead of its release on October 20.
This isn’t to suggest that Sony is stepping back from the limelight entirely. The company remains engaged, albeit from a distance, likely to share news about its plans for the foreseeable future by way of PlayStation Showcases and State of Play events. Sony also isn’t above working with third-party organizations, like Geoff Keighley’s Summer Game Fest, where it announced the release date of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2.
Sony’s approach, while arguably unconventional, seems to work. The corporation may prefer to hold its cards close to its chest, it’s often to the benefit of surprises and joyful fans.
In sharp contrast, Nintendo will make a splash at Gamescom 2023. Having last attended the event in 2019, the Switch creator is set to mark its return in a big way, showcasing its offerings in booths on the show floor. While Nintendo’s line-up for the rest of 2023 remains slim, their presence at the convention gives fans hope for exciting announcements, such as the long-rumored Nintendo Switch Pro.
Moreover, Sony’s absence from Gamescom doesn’t mean there will be a drought of new content. Other major players, such as Astragon, Bandai Namco, Giants Software, and Team17, have confirmed their attendance at Gamescom this year.
