gamescom 2022 exhibitor: Xbox is there, EA is not

From August 24 to 28, gamescom will finally take place again in Cologne. After big names like Nintendo and Sony have already cancelled and the popular Caseking booth will also not be represented this year, the gamescom 2022 exhibitors have been determined, at least for the time being. Accordingly, EA (Electronic Arts) will not be there either, but Microsoft with its Xbox division will.

gamescom 2022 exhibitors: EA also cancels

In a press release, Koelnmesse GmbH has now announced the preliminary list of gamescom 2022 exhibitors. Since the last update in mid-May, the number of registered companies has doubled to more than 500. It is also expected that many registrations will be added until the event.

“From traditional AAA forges to promising indie newcomers to numerous tech companies, gamescom shows games in all its facets as well as exciting innovations from many areas around games,” it says in the release.

Meanwhile, Microsoft with its Xbox division has also confirmed participation. Via Twitter, the company says that it will present “small updates on our current games” in Cologne. Highlights like Starfield, Forza Motorsport or Redfall will therefore most likely not be playable.

Industry giant EA, on the other hand, has now officially confirmed its cancellation. Titles like FIFA 23, Battlefield and many you will therefore not get to see at gamescom 2022. Speaking to GamesWirtschaft magazine, EA confirmed, “We will not be attending Gamescom 2022. However, gamers will have plenty of opportunities to experience new EA games and content.”

CD Projekt will also not be at the show. Here, however, the cancellation is more understandable. Cyberpunk 2077 has already been released and the next edition of the RPG hit The Witcher is still in the middle of development.

Which exhibitors will be represented at gamescom 2022?

Confirmed their participation, on the other hand, are exhibitors such as 2K, 505 Games, Aerosoft, Amazon Web Services, AMD, Assemble Entertainment, astragon Entertainment, Bandai Namco, BenQ, Daedalic Entertainment, ESL Gaming, GIANTS Software, HandyGames, HoYoverse, Humble Games, HyperX, Kalypso Media Group, Koch Media, KRAFTON, Level Infinite (Tencent), MEDION, Neowiz, NetEase Games, Pico Interactive Pte, Raw Fury, Razer, Samsung, SEGA Europe, SteelSeries, TaleWorlds Entertainment, Team17, THQ Nordic, Thunderful, TikTok, Ubisoft, Warner Bros. Games, Western Digital, Xbox and Xsolla.

Meanwhile, 75 companies have registered for the gamescom merch area powered by MINI. Among them are ak tronic, Blizzard Gear Store, E.M.P. Merchandising, Konami Digital Entertainment, MINI and Square Enix.

Felix Falk, managing director of game – Verband der deutschen Games-Branche is looking forward to gamescom 2022 at the end of August together with the community and exhibitors. “While several areas such as the indie area, merchandise area or event arena will be larger and more diverse than ever before, some important partners are also missing, while other exhibitors will be on site for the first time,” said Falk.

Corona to blame for cancellations

According to Falk, the recent multiplication of cancellations is also related to the long-term effects of the Corona pandemic. Game releases have had to be postponed, costs have risen, and a new uncertainty is inherent in international travel.

“But that does not change the fact that gamescom will again be an absolute highlight and an unforgettable experience awaits visitors,” continues Falk.

However, this does not change the fact that a bitter aftertaste remains. The list of gamescom 2022 exhibitors is long, but lacks some greats such as Sony, Nintendo and EA. On the other hand, things look better at IFA 2022, which will take place shortly thereafter in Berlin. Here, the halls were already recently over 80 percent full.