Gamescom 2020 likely doomed as Germany limits large gatherings through August

The German government is announcing today plans to prohibit large events through the end of August. This comes in addition to its personal lockdown, which it extended through May 3 earlier today. Chancellor Angela Merkel and local governors want to prevent COVID-19 from spreading at sporting events, concerts, and other festivals through the summer. These limitations should also cause Gamescom organizers to officially cancel or delay the massive gaming event. The Gamescom group was still planning to hold the gathering for August 25 through August 29.

Gamescom is one of the largest fan events for gaming on the planet. Each year, more than 370,000 people visit the expo in the German city of Cologne. This dwarfs American events like E3 and PAX, which attract 50,000-to-70,000 people.