Sony already announced this week that the PlayStation brand would not be attending PAX East next week due to the looming threat of the coronavirus. It seems the company has also jumped ship from this year’s GDC (Games Developer Conference). Sony Interactive Entertainment was meant to attend the show this year but revealed to GamesIndustry.biz that they will no longer be participating.
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[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”#35CB47″ class=”” size=”21″]We felt this was the best option as the situation related to the virus and global travel restrictions are changing daily. We are disappointed to cancel our participation, but the health and safety of our global workforce is our highest concern.”[/perfectpullquote]
Along with PlayStation, Facebook also announced they would not be attending GDC either this year but still plan on making announcements during the week. The organizers of the Game Developers Conference published a statement yesterday revealing they are planning for the event and the attendees’ safety in mind. They will incorporate additional health and security measures.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”#35CB47″ class=”” size=”21″]We believe that, based on the strict U.S. quarantine around coronavirus and a large number of enhanced on-site measures, we are able to execute a safe and successful event for our community. Locally, the Department of Health for both the State of California and the City of San Francisco support the convening of public events. We are also continuing to follow the latest CDC and WHO guidance, following in the footsteps of other large international events that are taking place successfully at the Moscone Center.”[/perfectpullquote]
This marks the second event that Sony has pulled out of. The company was planning on showcasing new footage of The Last of Us Part II during PAX East and GDC. We will have to wait for them to release this footage outside of the expos now.
