"We have decided we want to hold a SPIEL convention," organizer Friedhelm Merz Verlag said of the annual Essen Game Fair, citing "the prospect of a widespread vaccination program by fall" as a reason for hope. This year’s show is scheduled for October 14-17, 2021; the 2020 show was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic last May (see "Essen Game Fair Canceled").
If it seems that the event cannot be held safely at a later date, "we will act responsibly as early as possible, as we did last year," the organizers said in the announcement.
Some contingency plans are in place to be implemented if necessary, including safety rules to make the show safer, such as wider aisles and walkways. Additional digital support is planned, allowing exhibitors to present new releases digitally. If the physical event is canceled, a purely digital event will be offered for the second time.
Internationale Spieltage SPIEL (the German name of the event), held annually since 1983, is the largest game fair in the world, and an event where exhibitors from all over the world debut new games which then make their way to trade in the following months. It’s a major business event where international rights for games are negotiated and announced. A live show in 2021 would be a welcome return for an important event in the annual business calendar.

October 2021 Show on Schedule
Posted by Milton Griepp on January 27, 2021 @ 3:14 am CT

MORE GAMES
After Blowout 2024
July 8, 2025
The tabletop RPG business settled in at a new level in Spring 2025, after a blowout 2024 capped by the release of the two core volumes for Dungeons & Dragons 2024.
Vautour, Young, and Loe to ACD
July 7, 2025
ACD Distribution has acquired Luma Imports from Flat River Group, and will relaunch the brand with Jules Vautour, Colin Young, and Danni Loe.
MORE NEWS
For Inklore and Ink Pop Imprints
July 7, 2025
Random House has signed a 14-title deal to publish new webtoon titles from Webtoon Entertainment under its Inklore and Ink Pop imprints.
Becomes Publisher of 'Tiny Epic' and 'Heroes of Land, Air, and Sea' Lines
July 7, 2025
Tycoon Games acquired the Gamelyn brand, the company announced.