Microsoft has confirmed it’ll be at Gamescom this year. In an emailed statement, an Xbox spokesperson said to expect updates on previously announced titles from the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase, and for some fun times hanging out in person again.
"Following our recent Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase, we’re excited to confirm that Xbox will be back on the show floor at Gamescom 2022 in Cologne, Germany," wrote Microsoft. "Fans in Europe and around the world can expect updates on some announced games coming to Xbox in the next 12 months and a chance to hang out as a community again (in person)!"
We can likely expect to see more of Starfield, which headlined the Xbox & Bethesda Showcase, as well as potential news on Redfall, Forza Motorsport, and Minecraft Legends.
Xbox seems to be on a relatively short list of big-name attendees, however. Nintendo, Sony, Activision, and Take-Two Interactive have all said they'll be skipping the festivities in Cologne, Germany this year. Embracer, Bandai Namco, and Ubisoft have said they'll be present, although with the recent announcement of a new Ubisoft Forward coming in September, one wonders just what exactly the French publisher plans to bring to Gamescom.
THQ Nordic has also stated its intention to attend Gamescom this year, with a spokesperson confirming updates on games expected to arrive by 2023.
"So we are presenting nine games on around 1,000 square meters, four of which are still unannounced," said Florian Emmerich, head of THQ PR. "As every year, our goal is to present our new, upcoming highlights for this and next year to players."
Gamescom will begin with Devcom from August 22 to August 23, followed by the press-only event on August 24. General admission will run from August 25 to August 28. Geoff Keighley will once again host Opening Night Live, with digital presentations running throughout the event. COVID-19 restrictions requiring masks and proof of vaccination were lifted last April, but Gamescom organizers are still recommending attendees voluntarily wear masks and maintain social distancing rules at the event.