Masahiro Sakurai, composer of Smash Bros., gave the latest Every week Famitsu a column on how coronavirus covid-19 is influencing the sports industry in Japan.
In nearly three sections, Sakurai lists the top statistics and symbols, including the global death toll, how Hokkaido Prefecture declared an emergency, how a mask and toilet paper sells in Japan and how concerts and other events are canceled. This is in print, so the stats aren't up to the minute, but in her honest and clear column, Sakurai also proves that she's writing the best (and most honest) items each week at Famitsu
Sakurai said that coronavirus covid-19 had an impact on events outside of Japan and the world. However, for game developers in Japan, working from home it's not that easy. "This is a very secretive job, and because it's not like people can take it home and bring development materials with them, of course, the work can't go on."
Fears that secrets about upcoming games, content or characters may be in danger of coming out. But this is not the only way this virus has an impact on game development in Japan.
“Things like business travel are blocked,” continued Sakurai. “In particular, business trips to far-flung destinations have become a bit confusing. For example, Nintendo (headquarters) is in Kyoto. ” Sakurai lives in Tokyo, and while Kyoto is around two hours on a bullet train, it sounds like this kind of home departure is held for the time being.
“Similarly, traveling to other companies has been difficult. Personally, I was scheduled to submit a presentation to the publisher about the new battle, but it was not possible to get the necessary people together, so that it could be permanently postponed. ”
Then there is concern about what will happen if the worker does not have a novel coronavirus.
"In addition, if the person in the office is found infected with the virus, I think the whole building will need to be closed and the development of the (game) is complete."
All of this has a powerful, impactful impact on the entire sports industry and the development process. "Even though we have announced a new boxer, it is likely that development will not be able to improve as planned." Things can't go as they usually do in the Japanese gaming industry.
"The novel coronavirus has played a major role in the development of the game," wrote Sakurai, adding that delays and cancellations were inevitable and looked like companies were starting to take a break. No doubt this effects could be felt for weeks and months to come.
