The Coronavirus pandemic has changed how things have operated within the video game industry, leading to events such as E3 2020 being canceled or altered like Gamescom. The pandemic has also delayed some of the most highly-anticipated games of the year such as The Last of Us Part II and has led to publishers having to adjust how they release their games such as Square Enix releasing Final Fantasy VII Remake early so everybody has the chance to play it when it releases tomorrow. Today, Blizzard Entertainment provided an update about BlizzCon 2020, another event that seems to be in flux due to COVID-19.
Saralyn Smith, Executive Producer of BlizzCon said: “We love BlizzCon, and we know many of you share that feeling and look forward to it as an opportunity to get away for a while, meet up with friends, and have a good time. As so many of us have been isolated for multiple weeks now, surrounded and in some cases directly impacted by the ongoing pandemic-related challenges around the world, we’re looking forward to the time when we can see one another again in person and have something to celebrate together.”
Saralyn Smith says that it’ll take a few months to know if or how they can proceed. They are still planning out the event including a “range of scenarios and possibilities,” in both the show and what would be the best experience for the fans. “While we’re hopeful things will look better later in the year, the bottom line is that at this point it’s too early to know whether BlizzCon 2020 will be feasible. The health of our community, employees, and everyone who helps with the show is our top consideration,” Smith said. Blizzard will share what their pans are “as soon as we have a meaningful update.”