The Game Developers Conference (GDC), one of the gaming industry’s biggest events, has been postponed due to concerns over the COVID-19 outbreak. Major game development companies like Microsoft, Sony, Amazon, and Epic Games announced that they would no longer attend the event, leading organizers to postpone it to a later date. The organizers are working on securing a new date for the event in summer 2020. The postponement of GDC could have a long-term impact on the gaming industry, as many studios depend heavily on the event to showcase their new titles and network with experienced professionals.
Major Gaming Conference Postponed Due to COVID-19 Concerns
Introduction
One of the biggest events in the gaming industry, the annual Game Developers Conference (GDC) which was supposed to take place in San Francisco has been postponed due to the increasing concerns over COVID-19 outbreak.
Details
After several major game development companies like Microsoft, Sony, Amazon, and Epic Games announced that they would no longer attend the event, the organizers knew that they had to take a tough decision. Finally, the event which was supposed to take place from March 16-20 has been postponed to a later date.
As per the official statement released by the organizers, they are working on securing a new date for the event in summer 2020. They also stated that all attendees, speakers, exhibitors, and sponsors who have already registered, will receive a full refund within 4-6 weeks.
Impact on Gaming Industry
The gaming industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the world, and these events are crucial for the community to connect, network, and showcase their latest creations. However, with the growing pandemic, many companies are now turning to online alternatives for their events, and this could have a long-term impact on the industry.
Many developers and game studios depend heavily on GDC to showcase their new titles, and with its postponement, the industry might experience a slowdown. Also, as GDC is a hub for developers, many aspiring game developers attend the event to network and learn from experienced professionals, and with its postponement, they might miss out on some crucial opportunities.
Conclusion
The postponement of GDC is just one of the many events that have been impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. However, it is essential to prioritize safety and health over everything else. The decision to postpone the event might be a setback for the gaming industry, but it is a necessary one. As the situation continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how long it will take for GDC to be rescheduled, and the future of the gaming industry beyond COVID-19.