PlayStation has skipped Gamescom for three consecutive years, including 2024. The company has not appeared at the show since 2019; Gamescom was either cancelled or a digital-only affair the following two years due to the pandemic.
PlayStation is skipping Gamescom this year because they prefer to focus on their own dedicated PlayStation showcases. This decision continues a recent trend of companies avoiding major gaming events and opting for their own digital showcases instead6.
PlayStation uses its own digital events, such as State of Play broadcasts, to showcase upcoming games and announcements instead of attending Gamescom. This approach allows the company to share news on its own terms and timeline, while also avoiding the high costs associated with participating in major industry conventions.