Gamescom 2024: Xbox is coming, PlayStation is not

Xbox takes part in Gamescom: Microsoft is the first and only console manufacturer to attend the games fair in Cologne. Both Sony PlayStation and Nintendo have canceled their participation in recent months.

This is good news for the organizers of the industry association game and Koelnmesse. Every year, they struggle to attract as many well-known developers as possible to the games fair. The cancellation by Nintendo in particular was a setback, as the Japanese company was still on site last year. Sony PlayStation, on the other hand, has not taken part in Gamescom for years.

Microsoft's participation means that several interesting games will be playable or at least visible on site. In addition to the strategy game "Age of Mythology Retold", these include the role-playing game "Avowed" and the "Civilization" competitor "Ara History Untold". Microsoft also plans to show new content for previously released games such as "Fallout 76", "World of Warcraft" and "Diablo 4" in Cologne.

Ubisoft and Capcom are also in Cologne

Microsoft is traditionally one of the largest exhibitors at Gamescom. Last year, Microsoft not only presented its own Xbox productions at its stand, but also hosted games from independent manufacturers. The Xbox booth therefore accounted for a large proportion of the entertainment program.

Apart from Microsoft, which also includes Activision Blizzard and Bethesda, commitments for Gamescom 2024 are still comparatively meagre. Of the major publishers, only Ubisoft and Capcom have committed to showing games in Cologne. In recent years, the organizers have taken steps to secure their trade fair and make it attractive despite cancellations - for example through e-sports tournaments, concerts and other community events.

(dahe)