Gamescom is the world's largest consumer video game trade fair held annually in Cologne, Germany with over 300,000 visitors and 1000+ exhibitors present.
It is a crucial event in the gaming industry, where companies showcase their latest products, announcements, and upcoming releases.
For Nintendo, Gamescom has traditionally been a significant platform to connect with European fans, demonstrate its latest games, and build excitement for its hardware.
But in a surprising move, Nintendo UK has confirmed (via Eurogamer) that the company will not be present at this year's Gamescom.
This marks a change from previous years as Nintendo has consistently attended the event as part of its European marketing strategy.
Last year they announced multiple Switch releases at the event like:
- Blasphemous 2
- AK-xolotl
- Bloomtown: A Different Story
- The Last Faith
- It's a Wrap!
- Phantom Spark
- Super Adventure Hand
- Afterdream
- CLeM
- Warframe
- Wild Country
- Ravenswatch
- Symphonia
- Dome-King Cabbage
But Nintendo's absence from Gamescom 2024 may raise some concerns among European fans and the gaming community.
What Could Be the Reasons Behind Nintendo's Absence?
There could be several potential reasons why Nintendo has chosen to skip Gamescom 2024:
1. Focus on Upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 Launch
Rumors suggest that Nintendo's highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 console is set to launch in early 2025.
It's possible that Nintendo is shifting its focus and resources towards the development, marketing, and launch of this new hardware, rather than dedicating time and effort to Gamescom 2024.
2. Not Much to Offer
In previous events, Nintendo had announced an extensive catalog of games and hardware exclusively for European fans.
However, amidst the struggling period for the gaming industry, where many devs are pushing their major releases to 2025 and beyond, it seems like Nintendo may not have much to offer this year.
So far only a few major games have been confirmed to release in 2024:
- Grounded (ported from Xbox) - April 16
- Endless Ocean Luminous - May 2
- World of Goo 2 - May 23
- Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door - May 23
- Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance - June 21
- Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble - June 25
- Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon (remaster) - June 27
Below are the upcoming games for 2024 without a release date yet.
- Battlecrush - Spring 2024
- Contra: Operation Galuga - Early 2024
- Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy - Early 2024
- Saga Emerald Beyond - TBC 2024
- Bandle Tale: A League of Legends Story - TBC 2024
- The Plucky Squire - TBC 2024
- SpyXAnya: Operation Memories - TBC 2024
- Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed - TBC 2024
- Monster Hunter Stories - Summer 2024
3. Prioritizing Other Events and Platforms
Nintendo may be evaluating its event participation strategy and deciding to focus on other events or platforms that better align with its target audience and marketing objectives.
The company mentioned that players will have opportunities to try out Nintendo Switch games at "other events throughout the year," suggesting a shift in its event planning.
4. Changing European Market Dynamics
The European gaming market is constantly evolving, and Nintendo may be reevaluating its approach to connect with European gamers.
Perhaps the company believes that other avenues, such as localized events or digital platforms, may be more effective in reaching its target audience in the region.
Let's see what the future holds for Nintendo gaming in 2024.
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