Nintendo will not be in attendance for Gamescom 2022

Publisher to appear at ‘regional events’

With Friday’s Sony State of Play presentation, the summer gaming news season is officially underway. But before we have even gotten close to the season’s Gamescom 2022 showcase, developer/publisher Nintendo has already announced that it will not be in attendance for the August event.

In a statement to German news outlet Games Wirtschaft, (later republished by VGC), Nintendo Europe noted that it will not be joining the other industry figureheads gathering in Cologne, and will instead be low-key showcasing its various wares at several smaller, regional trade shows in and around Germany.

“Gamescom is a key event in Nintendo’s calendar of events,” writes Nintendo. “This year, however, after careful consideration, we have decided against participating in Cologne. Instead, players will be able to try out the games for Nintendo Switch at numerous events throughout Germany.”

“Events that have been firmly scheduled so far include […] the SWR Summer Festival and the Stuttgart Children and Youth Festival. For Japan and video game fans, we have decided to participate in the Main Matsuri Japan Festival in Frankfurt as well as the DoKomi in Düsseldorf and the AnimagiC in Mannheim. Further tour stops and activities are being planned.”

“We look forward to seeing our fans again at many regional events.”

Gamescom joins an expanding list of 2022 events wherein Nintendo will not be putting in an appearance. The studio has become increasingly introverted in regard to news distribution for its ongoing projects, preferring instead to stick to its Nintendo Direct live streams and the occasional “Treehouse” demonstration. Even its flagship fighter, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, will not be featured in the international fighting game tournament EVO 2022. It seems, for this year at any rate, Nintendo remains insistent on sitting at its own exclusive table.

Gamescom 2022, which returns in a semi-physical capacity for the first time in two years, will take place in Cologne, Germany between August 24-28. The event will feature news, reveals, playable demos, interviews, and the annual Opening Night Live showcase, once again hosted by organizer Geoff Keighley.