COVID-19 has grounded the whole world and that includes multiple annual events such as the E3 2020. ESA was forced to cancel it, leaving a lot of companies in the dark. But of course, there are alternatives to make sure that they can still spread the word and inform their market of the latest products and services.
As of this writing, two companies have confirmed that they will be hosting direct digital events to share their plans for the year. And it seems another company will be following their footsteps soon with reports that Nintendo will be having its own digital event as well, Gamespot reported. The Japanese company is currently finding ways to engage the fans but details have yet to be revealed. That could come soon.
“We'll continue to be flexible and redirect our efforts to other ways of keeping our fans up to date about our activities and products. Because of the COVID-19 outbreak, large industry events may be untenable for the foreseeable future. But we are considering various ways to engage with our fans and will have more to share as the year continues,” a spokesperson from Nintendo said.
Though it has yet to be confirmed, Nintendo is likely to do this via its Nintendo Direct. Gamingbolt mentioned how the company has two Direct presentations lined up and these are scheduled to be aired later this month. The Japanese company has been using Nintendo Direct to show presentations but it may be time to expand (if not experiment) this technology. Rather than just presentations, Nintendo may want to start considering live conferences and maximize what technology offers. They have the manpower to do it and this could even be a new way for them to disseminate information on company products and services moving forward.
Speaking of the coronavirus, Nintendo of America has told an unnamed staff to go into self-quarantine after the employee tested positive for the virus.
"We have determined that the individual had contact with other employees and we have notified those employees to the situation," the video game company said in a statement to the Hollywood Reporter. "All impacted employees are now self-quarantining, whether they are experiencing symptoms or not."
The company is throwing its support for the employees affected by the COVID-19 virus and will continue to take precautions to safeguard the welfare of its employees. Washington has been hit hard by the outbreak, with more than 201 reported cases per the CDC.
