Sony Interactive Entertainment, a dominant player in the gaming industry, has confirmed that it won’t be attending Gamescom 2023, according to the German publication GamesMarkt. This comes as the company leans towards its digital events, bypassing the physical and financial challenges associated with major industry conventions.
As the convention is set to return this year, Sony seems to remain steadfast in its approach, making it unlikely for fans to see any of their games, including the much-anticipated “Marvel’s Spider-Man 2”, set for release on October 20, 2023.
Instead, Sony continues to opt for the digital route, following a trend popularized partly by the global health crisis, which forced many industries to adapt to online platforms. This decision also underscores Sony’s efforts to control its product presentations and audience engagement fully.
In contrast, several other industry giants have confirmed their attendance at Gamescom 2023. Notably, Nintendo will return after its last in-person appearance in 2019, showcasing its offerings through numerous booths on the convention floor. Other exhibitors include Astragon, Bandai Namco, Giants Software, and Team17.
The expo is scheduled to kick off with Gamescom Opening Night Live on August 22, a showcase hosted and produced by Geoff Keighley, with the main event running from August 23-27.