Throughout the larger gaming industry, fans have seen major events likeE3 2020 get cancelledor reschedule left and right because of the growing concern for public safety due to the coronavirus. Now, it seems likeCall of Dutyfans might be the next major community to be impacted by the virus.
Naturally, organizations are taking extreme caution when it comes to having massive amounts of people gather together during this time. It seems thatCall of DutyLeague has come to the same conclusion, as they have announced a major change to its events moving forward due to increasing concern over the virus.
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It’s obvious to see that the entire world is being affected in some way, shape, or form by the growing panic caused by the coronavirus. While people everywhere are struggling to find a balance between caution and hysteria, organizations everywhere are already making decisions. Even major organizations outside of gaming have made drastic decisions, such asthe NBA suspending its seasonafter one of the players tested positive for the virus.
Inside the gaming industry, organizations like theOverwatch League are cancelling eventswithin the next few months because of safety concerns. Now, the most recent major eSports league to announce a major change to its format isCall of DutyLeague. In a tweet posted on theCall of DutyLeague’s official account, the organization addressed the coronavirus concern and concluded that moving forward all live events will move to online-only competitions.
The image accompanying the tweet reads, “The health and safety of employees, fans, players, teams, and partners is paramount to Activision Blizzard eSports.” The image goes on to say that the organization is continuing to monitor city-level recommendations and mandates regarding the virus put in place by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. In a similar vein, Riot Games made a similar statement yesterday regarding thecancellation ofLeague of Legendseventsin North America.
While many organizations have opted to outright cancel events in the coming months, it’s somewhat refreshing to seeCall of DutyLeague opt to try out an online-only format. Provided it handles the format correctly, the decision could save the league from fan and competitor disappointment while keeping competition for the game alive.
Unfortunately,Call of DutyLeague seems in the minority with its move to switch to an online-only format. As mentioned before many gaming industry events have been canceled and rescheduled, and the eSports community is no exception. Right now,list of confirmed postponed or canceled eSports eventsis staggering.
