Sony Interactive Entertainment has decided not to participate in Gamescom 2024 in Cologne, as confirmed by a spokesperson to Eurogamer. This marks the third consecutive year that PlayStation will be absent from the event, following its last appearance in 2019. The decision reflects a broader trend of Sony scaling back its presence at major industry gatherings, having also withdrawn from E3 after 2019.
Gamescom, a significant trade show in the gaming industry, has seen Sony’s absence alongside other major players like Nintendo, which also opted out of Gamescom 2024 but will be present at Gamescom Latam in São Paulo. Sony’s choice to skip these events comes amidst a shifting landscape in how companies choose to showcase their products, increasingly favoring digital presentations over traditional expo booths.
Sony has already revealed its upcoming game lineup for the latter half of 2024 through a digital State of Play broadcast in May. Highlights include new titles like the multiplayer shooter Concord, PC releases of popular games such as Until Dawn and God of War Ragnarok, and the debut of a full-length Astro Bot title. This strategic move to digital announcements allows Sony to directly engage with its audience without the logistical demands and costs associated with physical expos.
While Sony’s absence from Gamescom 2024 is notable, it aligns with its recent approach of leveraging digital platforms to connect with players and announce new content. The decision underscores the evolving strategies within the gaming industry as companies navigate how best to reach their audiences in an increasingly digital and global market landscape.
