Microsoft, Nintendo skip Gamescom; Sony, EA, Activision on board

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Cologne's annual Gamescom expo, though only established in 2009, can call itself the world's largest video game trade fair with 275,000 visitors in 2011 -- but this August, some of the biggest games companies are giving it a miss.

Microsoft, which made the opening keynote at the Electronics Entertainment Expo in June, has pulled out of Gamescom, theTokyo Games Show, and the Consumer Electronics Show, in order to concentrate on "smaller, more localized promotions and experiences."

Nintendo, which for many a year has preferred to hold its own side event instead of attending the main Tokyo Games Show, will also be absent from Germany's August show, preferring to present the Wii U console under its own steam.

Sega won't be there, and is closing four of its European offices, including its German outpost; THQ's presence will be minimal, having eschewed the option of a show-floor booth.

That's not to say the show's over in Cologne -- event organizers have increased floorspace for 2012 to 144,000 square meters, up by 20 percent to match a 20 percent increase in exhibitor numbers.

Massive Japanese mobile and social gaming force Gree will be exhibiting for the first time, while Gamescom maintains that not only is the event stable but Sony PlayStation will be on hand as usual.

Electronic Arts have FIFA 13, Need for Speed: Most Wanted, Medal of Honor: Warfighter, SimCityand Crysis 3 to present.

Konami will be bringing Pro Evolution Soccer 2013 and Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, while Blizzard has new expansions for World of Warcraft and Starcraft II.

Gamescom 2012 takes place at the Kölnmesse in Cologne, Germany, August 15-19.
Official website: gamescom-cologne.com

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