Create new account
Forgot password?

NEWS

Leipzig Game Convention Cancelled

Rob Crossley's picture

By Rob Crossley

January 29, 2009

  • Login or register to post comments

See also:

Related Articles:

Leipziger Messe has issued a press release confirming that its‭ ‬2009‭ ‬Games Convention has been cancelled.‭

The group had made its decision‭ “‬in view of the new situation in terms of competition on the German trade fair market‭”‬.‭ ‬The trade event was scheduled for August‭ ‬20-23‭; ‬the same weekend which will see‭ ‬the Gamescom trade fair take place in‭ ‬Cologne.‭

Company‭ ‬CEO Wolfgang Marzin did state that‭ ‬the Games Convention was‭ ‬still an available‭ ‬stage for industry events.‭ “‬If the industry is again in search of a platform for console and PC games and hardware with the know-how of the GC‭ – ‬Games Convention,‭ ‬we will immediately be available,”‬ he said.

Leipzig has been subjected to much criticism over the last twelve months,‭ ‬chiefly due to a vocal portion of its attendees believing that the show needs to take place in a more appropriate venue.‭ ‬There was at times suggestions that the Games Convention would take place in‭ ‬Cologne.‭ ‬Neither Nintendo or Microsoft attended the event in full capacity last year.

Leipziger Messe will now shift its attentions to the online market with the new arrival of Games Convention Online. GCO is claimed to be the‭ “‬first independent platform‭” ‬in‭ ‬Europe for browser,‭ ‬client and mobile games.‭ ‬It is expected to take place from July‭ ‬31‭ ‬to August‭ ‬2.

‭"‬Browser,‭ ‬client and mobile games are on course to becoming a big success story,‭” ‬said Marzin,‭ “‬and in that way,‭ ‬the Games Convention Online is like the Games Convention when it first began.‭ ‬We are delighted that as trade fair organisers,‭ ‬we can again accompany this development too.‭"

Wojtek's picture
On January 29th Wojtek said:

I went to the last one at Leipzig and I agree - the infrastructure to host a show like that just isn't there. The show became too large for the city. I hope it comes back but at a different location.

savagehenry's picture
On January 29th savagehenry said:

Let's hope it comes back bigger and badder in 2010 :D

European studios need a home Convention that equals the size of TGS or E3.

Mojo's picture
On January 29th Mojo said:

GAMESCom is the new big Euro trade event which begins in 2009. Since the BIU switched their backing from the GC to GAMESCom, all the major players (Microsoft, sony and Nintendo) have switched to the new event too.

Here's a link to the event's site...
http://www.gamescom-cologne.com/

savagehenry's picture
On January 29th savagehenry said:

Thanks for the Information :D

4thVariety's picture
On January 29th 4thVariety said:

(1) The Games Convention announced at the same time, they would have a "Games Convention Online" event in Leipzig at the end of July. The event's focus will be on mobile and online gaming. http://www.gamesconvention.com/gc-blog/

(2) Microsoft was attending the Games Convention 2008. They had a booth there. Nintendo, however, really was not there.