Essen had been as determined as Gen Con to push through and carry on, despite the pandemic induced lockdowns which have wrecked the 2020 convention season.
This morning we awoke to the news that Essen could no longer take the risk. One of the world’s largest board game conventions has been cancelled.
Essen 2020 is cancelled. There’s no suggestion there will be two events in 2021, despite the organisers using the word “postpone”.
Reaction to the announcement has generally been supportive. Gamers understand why Essen have had to do this.
As you might expect, there are already calls for some sort of online alternative to the event. Conventions are incredibly useful for launching new products and reaching new customers.
Attention will inevitably turn to Gen Con as the last of the giant events still in the running. As it stands now, event registration is delayed but badge registration open.
What do you think? Let us know in the comments below!