Coronavirus Fears Have Forced Organizers To Cancel The Taipei Game Show

Due to the ongoing concern over the coronavirus, organizers of the Taipei Game Show have made the decision to postpone the annual event. It was originally scheduled to take place next week, from Feb 6 – Feb 9.

The threat of the coronavirus initially prompted organizers of the show to send a safety briefing to attendees and exhibitors, detailing temperature checks at entrances and the requirement for everyone to wear a medical mask at all times during the event.

Despite this, the decision was made to postpone the event entirely, with organizers stating that they intend to host the show later this year in summer. A spokesperson for the organizing committee acknowledged the threat of the coronavirus and the danger mass gatherings pose to its spread. Understandably, the committee made the decision to not take the unnecessary risk.

“Taipei Game Show is one of the iconic annual networking events,” the spokesperson said. “With that in mind, W.H.O. has declared global emergency as Wuhan coronavirus spreads. Considering mass gatherings like Taipei Game Show increase the chance of cluster infections, the organizing committee has decided to steer away from such unthinkable risks. We sincerely ask for exhibitors’ understanding on such a major decision.”

A new date for the rescheduled event wasn’t provided, but the event will be taking place at the same venue, with more details on specifics in the coming days.

“The location remains unchanged at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, Hall 1,” the spokesperson continued. “The specific time and date will be announced in the upcoming days by the organizing committee.”

The Taipei Game Show isn’t the only gaming event to be affected by the growing concern over the coronavirus. Earlier this week Blizzard cancelled Overwatch events in China for the same reasons.