Sony has announced its decision to not participate in Boston’s PAX East this year. In a Playstation Blog post update, communications manager Justin Massongill reasoned it was “due to increasing concerns related to COVID-19 (also known as “novel coronavirus”). Massongill then emphasizes the company’s disappointment, “but the health and safety of our global workforce is our highest concern.”
While disappointing, it is good to see the health of employees an imperative for a major company. CNN reports that coronavirus has a fatality rate of 2.3% and has claimed over 2000 lives. Of the over 75000 cases, approximately 1000 are outside of mainland China. While 2.3% doesn’t seem like a dangerous number, any risk to life should be considered enough to take caution.
“UPDATE: Today, Sony Interactive Entertainment made the decision to cancel its participation at PAX East in Boston this year due to increasing concerns related to COVID-19 (also known as “novel coronavirus”). We felt this was the safest option as the situation is changing daily. We are disappointed to cancel our participation in this event, but the health and safety of our global workforce is our highest concern.”
The original post was February 13th, and detailed the show hours and all of the games available to be played. Included were Marvel’s Iron Man VR, Doom Eternal, and the highly anticipated The Last of Us Part II. Unfortunately these demos are no longer available. Players will have to wait until later in the year to get a hands on experience.
PAX East starts February 27th, 2020 and will go through the weekend. There is still plenty to offer at the convention, if you’re going. Just remember to be safe, and stay healthy. Keep updated on PAX East news on the Informed Pixel Facebook page, the Informed Pixel Twitter account, and at Informed Pixel.
