Germany's Gamescom convention drew nearly a quarter million attendees last year. This year, there will be at least one major absence in the form of Sega. The Sonic the Hedgehog publisher is sitting out the show, citing a "commercial decision."
Sega's decision to excuse itself from Gamescom, as confirmed with Sega Europe by VG247, is potentially worrying, given the publisher's recent "reorganization." It had plenty to show at this year's E3, including Sonic Colors, Vanquish and Shogun 2: Total War, but it looks like the next time we'll see them will be at this year's Tokyo Game Show.
Sega reps called the Cologne-based Gamescom "the most important European event in the calendar" and holds out hope for future appearances.
Gamescom 2010 runs from August 18 to 22. Kotaku will be there, but not playing any Sega games, it seems.
Confirmed: Sega makes "commercial decision" to miss gamescom [VG247]