Everything you need to know about gamescom 2020

Everything you need to know about gamescom 2020

Aug 21, 2020 8 Min Read Posted by Maik Jahn

Which racing games will be represented at gamescom? Where can I play game demos? Here’s all we know so far.

Photo credit: Koelnmesse / gamescom / Facebook

For the first time in its history, gamescom takes place entirely digitally from August 27-30. Nevertheless, we are still up for several days full of announcements, gameplay, and events. In our overview, we summarize all information there is on gamescom 2020 so far.

More than 300 partners join the digital fair

gamescom is well-known for big and impressive exhibitor booths in which visitors are able to take a look at the newest games. This year, things are a bit different, but the digital visitors can still look forward to seeing a lot of content.

More than 300 companies announced their partnership with the fair. Renowned companies like Ubisoft, Electronic Arts, Square Enix, Nintendo, Warner Games and Konami will present their latest games across various platforms via streams, videos and live shows.

Which racing games will we see?

Fans are still waiting for more information on popular racing games, especially the new Forza Motorsport and Gran Turismo 7. Whether or not we will learn more about them hasn’t been confirmed. However, Microsoft and Xbox will likely provide more details on Forza Motorsport as they are partners of the fair. Gran Turismo fans could be left out in the cold. Neither Sony nor developer Polyphony Digital have confirmed a partnership with gamescom yet.

Project Cars 3 launches on August 25, just a few days before gamescom opens. Publisher Bandai Namco is a partner of the event as well. They may provide more information on where the game is heading after its release and whether there are any esports events being planned.

Racers who like it muddy already look forward to October 2020 when DIRT 5 is going to be released. The game will come to the current and new console generation once it hits the market. We think it’s very likely that fans of the franchise will get to know more about the next DIRT at gamescom.

DIRT 5: RELEASE DATE, NEW FEATURES REVEALED

Visit the fair and play demos via Steam

Steam is another partner of the upcoming gamescom. If you don’t like watching gameplay trailers and want to try out the novelties yourself, you can head to the gaming platform. There, you will soon find many demos to download and play for free. A list of games coming to Steam has not been published yet.

An MMO game on Steam allows the players to walk through the hallways of gamescom virtually: Indie Arena Booth Online grants the visitors access to 185 indie game demos.

One of them is Time Drifter, in which you drift your way through several eras in human history. On your way, you must fight enemies like Roman gladiators while sitting in a janitor’s cart. For more crazy indie games, make sure to visit the digital booths.

Opening Night Live promises big announcements

If you prefer blockbuster game announcements over smaller indie titles, Opening Night Live is the event you should not miss. Like in the previous year, the live show kicks off gamescom 2020 as well. Announcements, gameplay trailers, and further information on more than 20 games are going to be part of the show, as host Geoff Keighley already confirmed. Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda composed the theme song for the show.

People expect big announcements at the event and more detailed information on them during the fair. Besides game reveals, fans are eagerly awaiting more news on Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5. We believe the consoles are very likely to be a part of Opening Night Live.

gamescom brings the fair to your screen

The refined content hub gamescom now binds many official shows and livestreams of gamescom as well as selected developer broadcasts in one place. Besides Opening Night Live, fans can find footage and further information on their favorite games there throughout the entire duration of the event.

If you want to know more about the shows and the schedule of gamescom now, visit our viewer guide linked below.

VIEWER GUIDE: HOW TO WATCH GAMESCOM 2020

Alternative programs and influencers

Not only can you watch the official gamescom and developer shows. Several broadcasters and media companies announced they will cover gamescom with live shows and lots of entertainment formats, too.

For example, German fans can tune in to Gamevasion, a collaboration of broadcaster RocketBeans TV as well as the gaming agencies Freaks 4U Gaming and Instinct3. Their program covers the events at gamescom as well as competitive gaming formats.

Those who want to dive deeper into the gaming market should check out devcom digital conference, taking place from August 17-30. On this platform, you find keynotes from international experts, daily Twitch shows as well as workshops and educational talks.

gamescom has been a Mecca for content creators since its inception. You should keep an eye on your favorite Twitch streamers and YouTubers this year as well. Game developers will surely distribute special demos and gameplay footage to content creators which they will then present to their audience.

Forza tournament and more esports

Competitive gaming has always been a big part of gamescom. The digital edition is no different. Team Fordzilla is hosting a tournament in Forza Motorsport 7. Qualifiers for the Fordzilla Cup are open until August 21. The semi-finals will be held during gamescom on August 28 and 29. The final takes place on August 30.

Fans of other esports disciplines can also look forward to gamescom week. The German League of Legends Prime League organized an All-Star-Event and ESL Cologne brings the best Counter-Strike teams into competition.

To ensure you don’t miss any information on gamescom and esports racing, follow @overtake_gg on Twitter!

Tags:
Maik Jahn
View More Posts
Born and raised close to the Nürburgring.