Microsoft latest company to skip Gamescom

Microsoft is to skip Gamescom this year and focus on smaller, more localised shows, it has announced.

It said however that whilst it would not be attending to show off its first-party titles, selected Xbox 360 games would still be presented at the event.

“In the lead up to the launch of Halo 4, Gears of War: Judgement, Forza Horizon, Fable: The Journey and Dance Central 3, among other titles and entertainment experiences, Xbox is focusing on smaller, more-localised experiences for customers, partners, retailers and press around the world.

"As a result, Xbox will not be exhibiting directly at Gamescom in Cologne, Germany in August this year. Selected Xbox titles will still be showcased by our publishing partners at the event, and we wish the BIU well for the show.”

The news also follows Nintendo and Sega’s decisions to skip Europe’s biggest consumer games event.

Gamescom will take place in Cologone from August 15th to 19th, and will showcase games from hundreds of the biggest games companies in the sector.

500 exhibitors are still expected to attend Gamescom, including developers and publishers such as EA, Ubisoft, Take-Two, Bethesda, Sony and NCSoft.