Gamescom 2023 will be Nintendo’s first big trade show since 2012

Well, well, look who’s coming to Gamescom 2023: Nintendo.

The publisher, which over the past decade has opted for YouTube broadcasts over formal participation in video games’ major industry expos, said Wednesday that it would make an appearance at Gamescom 2023 in Cologne, Germany this summer. The Gamescom 2023 expo will take place from August 23 through to 27.

Nintendo’s marketing strategy since 2013 has reshaped how everyone gets now gets their game news, regardless of console. The company hasn’t done a live, on-stage presentation — you know, the kind of glitzy extravaganza that made former Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime a household name — since E3 2012. Since then, the company has instead aired a series of immensely popular Nintendo Direct broadcasts whenever it’s had anything to announce. Other publishers have also followed suit.

Even as Nintendo moved to its pre-recorded broadcasts, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic shut down so much of video gaming’s traditional calendar, the company still maintained a booth on the show floor at major expos. However, last month the Electronic Software Association that organized E3 canceled the event for good.

Gamescom – which is different from E3 in that it is open to everyone – is another show. Nintendo’s exhibit at Cologne will follow the July 21 launch of Pikmin 4, so it’s possible the company will have something to show then that it hasn’t announced so far.

Gamescom has been held in Germany every year since 2009. Last year, Gamescom’s Opening Night Live livestream, hosted by Geoff Keighley, revealed launch dates, updates, and other announcements for more than 30 games, including Dead Island 2,, Hogwarts Legacy, Gotham Knights, The following are some examples of how to get started: Sonic Frontiers.