COVID-19 and Its Effects on the Video Game Industry
With many people around the world spending much more time at home, it might be important for the video game industry to assess this period. This virus, named COVID-19, has begun affecting the video game industry just like it has been affecting the other industries. As it spreads throughout the globe, its effects on video game businesses and gaming-focused events are beginning to show.
Effects on Video Games and Hardware:
· Private Division has announced that the Switch version of The Outer Worlds is delayed. Furthermore, they had to shut down their Singapore office due to the COVID-19 situation.
· Similarly, Nintendo has confirmed that they are having issues with the manufacture and transportation of the fitness kits sold with Ring Fit Adventure.
· Facebook has announced that the manufacture of Oculus Quest has been affected but people are still ordering despite the kits being out of stock.
· Ndemic Creations has announced that sales for Plague Inc. have seen a sharp increase, especially in China, 8 years after the game’s release. It has been reported that the game ranked 1st on iOS game rankings in China and has improved its ranking in other countries such as the USA and the UK.
· Many companies such as Microsoft, Devolver Digital and Ubisoft have already begun planning non-traditional conferences to announce new games and release new trailers.
Effects on Gaming Events:
· E3, a leading event of the video game industry being held in Los Angeles since the ’90s has been canceled for 2020.
· Being held annually in San Francisco to connect video game developers, GDC (Game Developers Conference) has been delayed and it was announced that a new arrangement will be made.
· TwitchCon, a biannual convention for video game streamers and fans has canceled its European event in Amsterdam.
· Activision Blizzard Esports has decided to cancel all Overwatch League events which were to be held in March and April. However, the matches will still be played and streamed online.
· Following the cancellation of their Overwatch League events, Activision Blizzard Esports has chosen to do the same for their Call of Duty League events as well. They have changed their tournament to an online format for the remainder of 2020.
· Electronic Arts have put competitive live events on hold for all of their games, including Apex Legends.
In light of this news, it would be too early to come to a definitive conclusion on COVID-19’s effects on the video game industry. However, it is safe to assume that everyone in the video game industry will look for digital solutions and find themselves a place in digital space until this pandemic is contained.
