Microsoft skipping Gamescom and TGS as they change Xbox strategy

Microsoft will not be present at Gamescom or the Tokyo Games Show this year, the company confirmed today.

The company announced a change in their approach, explaining they will be focusing on "smaller, more localized promotions".

"As you saw at E3, we have a solid line-up of games launching this holiday, along with other entertainment experiences. We’ve changed our approach a little, though. This year, Xbox will be focusing on smaller, more localized promotions and experiences for press, partners, retailers and customers around the world," Microsoft's Major Nelson relayed.

"Which means that as you might have seen on some of the news sites today, we won’t be taking part in Gamescom or Tokyo Games Show this year," he added.

Microsoft is the second major console developer who will not be attending the German-based gaming event joining Nintendo who announced their decision to skip the event and instead showcase the 3DS, Wii, and Wii U across several different, smaller events around Europe.  Both SEGA and THQ have also publicly announced they will not have a presence at the event.

With so many major gaming companies backing out of Gamescom it makes me wonder how many others will soon follow suit. Is this the end for the German-based press event?