Microsoft skipping Gamescom, TGS

The summer gaming convention season is looking considerably less busy for Microsoft. The Xbox 360 maker today announced that it would be skipping the Gamescom exhibition in Germany, as well as the Tokyo Game Show.

"As you saw at E3, we have a solid line-up of games launching this holiday, along with other entertainment experiences," Xbox Live director of programming Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb explained on his blog. "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."

Despite the news, Microsoft doesn't want its absence to detract from the events. Hryb added that "Both are still important shows for the industry, and we do wish the organizers well."

Gamescom and TGS are two of the largest open-to-the-public gaming events in the world. The 2011 Gamescom attracted a record attendance of 275,000, while last year's TGS drew more than 222,000 people over its four-day span. Gamescom 2012 is set for August 15-19 in Cologne, Germany, while this year's Tokyo Game Show is set to take place September 20-23.