Halo 4 isn't playable at Gamescom in August; however, fans need not be disappointed as the hyped shooter is playable at the Xbox 360 Summer Festival in Japan. Microsoft isn't attending Gamescom and is yet to confirm Halo 4's appearance at western video game events like the Eurogamer Expo.

The Summer Festival takes place across Tokyo and Osaka. Tokyo's event runs from August 24 to 25 in Akihabara, while Osaka's version takes place September 1 in Umeda Sky Building.

It sounds similar to the Microsoft Showcase at the beginning of 2012, with games releasing later in the year available. However, the Microsoft Showcase seemed to be geared towards press, with a lack of massive consumer interest.

Games on show include Kinect titles Fable: The Journey, and Dance Central 3, along with Resident Evil 6. Released titles - Spec Ops: The Line and Max Payne 3 - are playable.

Microsoft didn't offer a clear reason as to why it isn't attending Gamescom in Germany. Sony has teased two game reveals for the event, while Square Enix released a press release on June 30 announcing Sleeping Dogs and the PC release of Final Fantasy VIII as playable at the trade show.

Famitsu reported that the software giant is not attending the Tokyo Game Show, running from September 20-23. Thus, eastern fans of the series will only have a chance to preview Halo 4.

As mentioned, the Eurogamer Expo also runs in late September. It's the UK's biggest gaming event, only second to Gamescom in Europe. With big publishers and developers already signed up for the event, previewing Halo 4 in London seems like a no-brainer. Especially, considering the number of times American fans have played the game, arguably unfairly.

With Halo 4 just four months away, and creative director at 343 - Frank O'Connor - saying that seven weeks of development time is left, there's perhaps no time to attend Gamescom. Seven weeks from San Diego Comic-Con, when O'Connor made the comments, finishes in late August.

Hopefully, there will be a chance to preview Halo 4 in London, given how the game will be finished by September. Currently, he game is not listed on the "What's On" page of the Eurogamer Expo website.

Halo 4 launches November 6 for Xbox 360.