Electronic Arts Backs Out Of GDC 2020 Due To Coronavirus Concerns

Electronic Arts Backs Out Of GDC 2020 Due To Coronavirus Concerns

It looks like Kojima Productions and Sony aren’t the only big names dropping out of GDC 2020 due to increasing concerns over the coronavirus. Publisher Electronic Arts released a statement to GameSpot confirming that the company is canceling its plans for the upcoming conference, while also restricting non-essential travel due to the outbreak.

“Having closely followed the global situation with Coronavirus and with the recent escalation of cases in new regions, we have decided to take additional steps to protect the wellbeing of our employees including the restriction of all non-essential travel,” EA’s statement begins.

As a result we are also cancelling our official participation at GDC and limiting attendance to other events. We are continuing to monitor the situation and will adjust guidelines to our employees as we feel is appropriate.”

According to GameSpot, news of EA’s decision was initially revealed via a LinkedIn post from Ea’s ad product development specialist Alex Sherer. “Just received word from corporate, and EA will be limiting our presence at GDC, cancelling our participation in official GDC events, and all EA employees have been advised to not travel to San Francisco for the conference,” the post reads.

It’s all fairly cut and dry, and completely understandable as safety absolutely comes first given the spread of the coronavirus thus far. News of Electronic Arts canceling its presence at GDC 2020 will likely only be the start of the company pulling back from other scheduled events until the epidemic is less of a concern.

So, thoughts on EA pulling out of GDC 2020? Let us know in the comments section below, and as always, stay tuned to Don’t Feed the Gamers for all the latest gaming and entertainment news! Don’t forget to follow DFTG on Twitter for our 24/7 news feed!

If you enjoy this writer’s work, please consider supporting them by tossing a KoFi their way! Every little bit helps and aims to keep DFTG independent and free of bias. Thank you so much for your support!  Ryan ‘Cinna’ Carrier @ KoFi

Ryan "Cinna" Carrier3026 Posts

Ryan is the Lead Editor for Don't Feed the Gamers. When he isn't writing, Ryan is likely considering yet another playthrough of Final Fantasy IX. He's also the DFTG cinnamon bun.

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