QuakeCon 2020 cancelled due to COVID-19

With the world currently going through a global pandemic, many companies are opting to either delay or entirely cancel plans which may have been in place for years. From events such as E3 2020 being cancelled, to release dates being altered, and conferences being hosted online instead of in person, there’s no denying that the effects of COVID-19 have been widespread. The latest event to be cancelled is QuakeCon. The annual fan convention, which was set to celebrate its 25th year, has now been cancelled in its entirety.

Making the announcement on Twitter, id Software and Bethesda Softworks stated that “QuakeCon has always been a special event for us and for you – a time when we gather together to play games and build bonds that, for some, have lasted a quarter-century now,” though “in recent weeks we have spent a lot of time discussing how we might still move forward with QuakeCon this year, particularly given that it's the 25th year of the event.”

Unfortunately, “with all of the logistical challenges and uncertainties we currently face due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have made the difficult decision to cancel this year's QuakeCon,” citing that “the health and safety of our employees, volunteers, vendors, sponsors, and players will always be our top priority, and in these times it felt wrong to be talking about a gathering when gathering is the last thing any of us should be doing right now.”

According to Bethesda, “While we don't know what the state of the pandemic will be this August, we do know it will not be possible to complete the work and planning with partners, vendors, volunteers, and others that is required to make QuakeCon a success.”

Though it may be cancelled, Bethesda hopes “to work with you to come up with other ways to celebrate the spirit of QuakeCon this August, and we look forward to the return of this amazing event next year.”

As mentioned, QuakeCon was set to take place in August this year. Though it is unknown what state the world may be in four months time, Bethesda’s decision to cancel the event is ultimately the most responsible option – though it is no doubt disappointing to many fans. Hopefully all that this means is that the company will be able to plan an even bigger and better event in 2021 for its fans.

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KitGuru says: Are you disappointed by this news? Were you planning to attend QuakeCon this year? What do you think Bethesda should organise in its stead? Let us know down below.

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