Most of the major live events in the gaming industry over the past year have either been cancelled due to COVID-19 or switched to a fully online format. Events that normally bring fans out in droves like BlizzCon and The Game Awards 2020 went digital for the safety of everyone involved, but as 2021 progresses, gamers may see more conventions and shows bringing back limited in-person events. Gamescom 2021 will be one such event, and it was announced yesterday that Geoff Keighley will once again host the Opening Night Live broadcast.

Gamescom 2021 will be a hybrid digital/physical event, which means large gathering spaces like the entertainment area will be managed to follow safety guidelines and digital queues will help control the influx of people into the space. Event organizers Koelnmesse and the German Games Industry Association have indicated that there are also strict rules in place concerning the construction of booths at the event, and if COVID-19 worsens once again before August, Gamescom 2021 will go fully digital once more.

RELATED: The Game Awards 2020 Sees Massive Rise in Viewers

Though the first day of Gamescom won't be until August 25, the Opening Night Live show will happen on Wednesday, August 24 and will contain the usual variety of game announcements. Gamescom 2021 will run until Sunday, August 29. Those interested in attending Gamescom will be able to buy tickets starting in May, but the number of tickets available will be greatly reduced to keep the event from overcrowding. Geoff Keighley tweeted out confirmation of his presence as host of the Opening Night Live segment yesterday and told gamers to expect more information coming this summer.

Gamescom 2021 is likely to be the first major gaming show with in-person elements since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and it may result in other live events following suit. However, there are still major event organizers this year that as of now don't feel comfortable gathering people together for physical activities. Late last month the E3 2021 live events portion of the show was cancelled in favor of a digital event once again, and the City of Los Angeles so far seems to be sticking to that announcement.

Though the continued release of COVID-19 vaccines makes the rest of 2021 seem a bit brighter, there are still plenty of precautions being taken right now in the entertainment industry to combat the spread of the pandemic. The film and TV industries have struggled to keep up a steady output of content, and many projects have been delayed. In December 2020 the National Academy of Arts and Sciences announced that the Daytime Emmys and other NATAS awards shows will all be virtual in 2021, with no live portions scheduled.

Whether Gamescom 2021 will be able to stick to the hybrid digital/physical event plan is unclear right now, but if the summer sees lower COVID-19 cases and better knowledge of the virus, Gamescom could be one step closer to normalcy for gamers everywhere.

MORE: BlizzCon 2021 and Other Industry Shows Going Digital is a Good Thing for Fans