Gamescom 2011

Details

Parent Category: Expos and Conventions

Category: Previews

Published on Tuesday, 02 August 2011 05:00

Written by Christopher Lai

Every gamer in America has heard of the infamous conference known as E3, held every year in the LA Convention Center. Some hardcore gamers may even know of the Tokyo Games Show (TGS), held on the island country.

However, few know about the European version known as gamescom, held August 17 - 21, 2011 in Cologne, Germany at the Cologne Trade Fair Center and that it is open to the public.

This is Europe's biggest trade fair for the interactive games and entertainment industry featuring "E3-esque" entertainment areas and events highlighted by outdoor performances, live acts and latest announcements within the gaming and tech world.

Some expected announcements to come out of gamescom are:

Nokia's First Windows Phone
It is expected that the announcement will occur on August 17, which is a press-only day featuring raffles for Microsoft Xbox 360 consoles and the announced Nokia Windows phone.

The significance of this announcement is huge for Nokia as they have dropped market share in the Smartphone industry. After being the pioneer in cell phone technology, Nokia has found itself competing with Android and iOS phones and losing. It has been speculated that if Nokia were to switch all their newer cellular devices to the Windows platform, that they may regain the top spot in the Smartphone sector.

Bethesda gamescom Line-up

With the highly anticipated arrival of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim just around the corner, this third-part developer has been in the spotlight of the gaming world. In addition, their highly anticipated first-person shooter from id Software, RAGE, is expected to appear in a playable form, making Bethesda the one to watch at this year's gamescom. Rounding out their line-up are Prey 2 and Dishonored, which will probably only be shown to press behind closed doors.

Sony's Starhawk event

Making an appearance at E3, Starhawk will also be showing at gamescom with a debut of a brand new vehicle during the convention. Sony's space combat shooter is a third-person title featuring competitive gameplay that requires communication and good teamwork between players.

Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary Celebration

This celebration will include playable demos of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D for the Nintendo 3DS as well as the Wii title Skyward Sword.

A Zelda cosplay contest will also be held for attendees with chances to win various Nintendo memorabilia. The first 111 people at the display will also be given limited edition T-Shirts.

Finally, autograph sessions with 'voice of Mario' Charles Martinet and a Mario Kart Wii tournament will conclude the event.

This is only a few of the events planned for gamescom 2011. For more information, go to their official website at www.gamescom-cologne.com.

gamescom 2011
August 17 - 21, 2011

Cologne Trade Fair Center
Deutz-Mülheimer-Str., 50679
Cologne, Germany
+49 180 3 504030 ‎

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