Some of you may have noticed. The rapidly spreading corona virus has kept the world in suspense for several weeks. The gaming landscape is not spared either. After one company after another has canceled their participation in the GDC in the past few days, the Game Developer Conference has now been postponed,
For the first time since its foundation in 2001, the conference will not be held in March but only in the summer of the same year. The decision was officially announced on February 28 by the organizers. Prior to this, major industry players such as Sony, EA, Square Enix, Kojima Productions and most recently Activision Blizzard had already excluded.
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What is the GDC?
Unlike E3 or Gamescom, GDC is an industry event in which only insiders such as developers or publishers take part. Here the participants can exchange ideas, present new projects or consolidate their networks.
In addition to a large trade fair, various roundtables are held and awards ceremonies are held every year. Over the years, the fair has become one of the most important events for industry representatives and last year saw a visitor record of over 29,000 people. The fair was planned this year from March 16 to 20.
E3 not yet in danger
Since the conference has now been postponed to summer 2020, it will practically join two other major gaming events. The Gamescom and the E3. The hope is, of course, that the acute risk of infection by the corona virus will be significantly lower by then.
If this is not the case, an event like the E3 could also be difficult this year. However, the virus currently does not seem to have any influence on the plans. This was revealed by the E3 organizer ESA, at least Patrick Klepek from Vice, who published this message on Twitter:
Here’s what the organizers of E3 told me about the GDC cancellation, and whether it will impact E3. No changes right now. pic.twitter.com/etwWpIivkb
– Patrick Klepek (@patrickklepek) February 29, 2020
Accordingly, the organizers are currently watching the situation. After all, you don't want to endanger the health and safety of visitors. However, preparations for the E3 are currently proceeding without major problems and ticket sales have probably not slumped.
The E3 itself is struggling with the fact that many publishers no longer notice the event regardless of Corona. For example, Sony, which will not be holding a press conference in 2020. Our editor-in-chief Heiko Klinge tells you why we don't care as consumers.