The corona virus continues to make its mark in the gaming industry. After the Game Developers Conference, SXSW 2020 is another victim of a well-known game.
The SXSW may not enjoy the greatest importance in the concert of game events, but in the past few years it has not been among the smallest of its kind. Rather, there have been some noteworthy announcements from the event in Austin, Texas – but we have to do that waive this year.
SXSW 2020 is the next event after GDC 2020, which has now been officially canceled due to the spreading corona virus. It is the first time in 34 years that the event in Texas is actually not taking place.
It is unclear whether the event scheduled for this March may still be rescheduled. An official statement states that options are currently being examined. There will be at least one "virtual SXSW online experience" "as soon as possible", but in this regard, too, concrete details are still pending.
At SXSW 2020, there should have been a keynote with the former America chief of Nintendo, Reggie Fils-Aime. The Sonic Panel that was held there annually would also have been back, although SEGA certainly had "one or two special announcements" planned. According to its own statement, the company is now working on a new format that will serve as a replacement for the panel and is expected in April.
We're sad to see SXSW cancel, but we respect the call and we're working hard to bring our Sonic Panel content to you all in a new format this April!
– Sonic the Hedgehog (@sonic_hedgehog) March 7, 2020
