Another convention succumbs to the coronavirus pandemic as id Software and Bethesda Softworks announced via Twitter that the 25th annual QuakeCon, set to take place in August, has been canceled. This latest cancellation — following the likes of E3 2020 — comes due to the "logistical challenges and uncertainty" of the viral outbreak, and to protect the health and safety of those who would attend and work the event.
Though the statement posits that it's unclear how the situation surrounding coronavirus will look in August, all of the worldwide closures and self-isolation now will make it impossible to complete the work and planning for such a large convention. The pandemic has led to school closures, corporate work from home policies, and more.
However, the statement says the teams behind the convention hope to "come up with other ways to celebrate the spirit of QuakeCon" come August, especially given the escapism and fan bonding it would have facilitated. Bethesda and id Software, who just released Doom Eternal, "look forward to the return of this amazing event next year."
While events like E3 and now QuakeCon have been outright canceled, others are looking to adapt to this unforeseen circumstance. For example, Gamescom announced it will be hosting a digital event this August even if the physical convention does not happen.