Following a recent string of companies pulling out of the show, Activision has announced that it will no longer have an official presence at the Game Developer Conference, or GDC, due to concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus. Just yesterday, both Microsoft and Epic Games pulled out of the show due to the same concerns.

The spread of the coronavirus has become a serious issue, with many countries taking action to try and stop its spread. Still, the disease has had significant ramifications for the world, from relatively small things like Nintendo Switch shortages to a global death toll of more than 2,400, according to the Center for Disease Control. The disease has continued to worsen since its initial outbreak, with no clear end in sight.

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In a statement on Twitter, Activision said that the well-being of its employees is its "highest priority," and that, despite ultimately deciding to pull out of the conference, canceling was not an easy decision to make. Similar sentiment has been echoed by other companies that have dropped out 0f the show.

Showrunners for the conference have decided to press forward. Meanwhile, other eSports events have been delayed or outright canceled due to coronavirus, especially in Asia, where the disease is believed to have originated. Fears have begun to mount that even E3, one of the most significant shows in the industry, could be canceled due to coronavirus if the disease isn't contained.

The coronavirus will likely continue to impact other aspects of the games industry further into the year. Microsoft doesn't believe that coronavirus will impact Xbox production, though rumors had circulated the PS5 and Xbox Series X may face delays due to the disease. For now, however, it appears that the consoles will hit their holiday 2020 release dates.

GDC is more than two weeks away. If the coronavirus continues to spread, more companies may drop out of the show, barring that it isn't canceled or delayed. Those worried about contracting the disease can do little other than maintaining proper personal hygiene, and waiting for the disease to subside. For now, the unfortunate truth is that the world must continue to battle the disease.

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Source: CDC