Why PlayStation Fans Will Be Disappointed This Year
Sony will not be showcasing PlayStation at a major gaming convention this year, confirming rumors that it will not have a booth at the event This marks a departure from previous years and has left fans wondering what Sony's plans for the future of PlayStation may be
Sony has decided not to participate in Gamescom 2023, one of the largest video game conventions in the world. This is not uncommon for PlayStation, as they have a history of skipping events that do not align with their goals. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Gamescom has continued to host both online and in-person events, with over 265,000 attendees at the 2022 convention. This year's Gamescom is expected to be even bigger, and the 2023 event will take place from August 23 to August 27 at Hoelnmesse in Cologne, Germany.
While Xbox has already confirmed its participation in Gamescom 2023, it seems that PlayStation has opted for a different approach. According to a representative from Sony Interactive Entertainment, PlayStation has no plans to exhibit at the event, meaning that there will be no official PlayStation game stations or keynotes. However, this doesn't necessarily mean that PlayStation will be completely absent from the show. Fans may still see first-party PlayStation games showcased during the Gamescom Opening Night Live presentation or possibly given time or space by a third-party partner. Nevertheless, it's best for fans to manage their expectations accordingly.
The reason behind PlayStation's decision to skip Gamescom remains unknown. However, it is possible that Sony's current management, led by Jim Ryan, has a different approach towards such events. Sony was one of the first major companies to opt-out of E3, indicating a shift in priorities. It could be that Sony is currently in a phase where its first-party games are not yet ready to be unveiled, or it may be focusing on promoting Spider-Man 2. Despite PlayStation's absence, numerous gaming partners will be present at Gamescom, including Xbox, 2K Games, Ubisoft, THQ Nordic, Koch Media, Nintendo, and Bandai Namco. As we approach late August, expect to hear more exciting Gamescom 2023 announcements, making it an incredible show with or without PlayStation's participation.
Source: GamesMarkt (via ResetEra)
