Many video game studios and companies have made public statements regarding their response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sony is one such company, issuing a lengthy press release confirming that employees in the US, Europe, and Japan are largely working from home. Specifics regarding the game development branch of Sony haven't been shared, but a leaked memo is revealing more information.
According to Waypoint reporter Patrick Klepek, PlayStation employees in North America and Europe are working from home through April 30 at minimum. Contract workers are also still being supported. Workers are being paid "regardless of ability to perform remote work." This is due to the potential spread of the novel coronavirus. The deadline can be extended depending on the state of each respective region as the deadline approaches.
The memo apparently also confirms that Sony is granting PlayStation employees a stipend of $1,000. This money is to be spent on equipment to upgrade home PC hardware and set-ups so that everyone can continue working efficiently.
Sony and PlayStation are just the latest example of companies having employees work from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rockstar employees have been working form home for over two weeks. Bungie employees are at home using Google Stadia for testing purposes. EA, Twitch, Wizards of the Coast, and more have all issued statements about working from home. The risk of not doing so is obvious. On March 13 it was reported that a Nintendo employee had tested positive with COVID-19. Employee safety has to come first.