TwitchCon will require masks and proof of vaccination or negative COVID test

Twitch says that they want TwitchCon San Diego to be an inclusive event that welcomes the immuno-compromised. Twitch is updating its pandemic-related health measures in order to protect TwitchCon attendees. The convention will require masks in all indoor spaces. In addition, attendees must either provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 72 … Read more

Comic-Con 2021 cancelled, Comic-Con@Home dates announced

The organizer of Comic-Con 2021 announced today that the convention is cancelled. Instead, they are holding an online event. In a statement, they explain the decision: It is the policy of the organization to continue to closely monitor information from local and national healthcare officials as it pertains to the COVID-19 pandemic. Never could we … Read more

Three things gamers should be thankful for in 2020

It’s Thanksgiving in the United States. Usually, it’s a time to gather with family for tasty food. This year is a little different, but we still have plenty to be thankful for. Last year, I put together a piece titled Three things gamers should be thankful for this Thanksgiving. While I was tempted at first … Read more

Mafia: Definitive Edition delayed until September 25

2K Games has announced that Mafia: Definitive Edition will now launch in September instead of August. The original release date was set for August 28. The new release date is September 25. The extra time is needed due to challenges stemming from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the developer says. Here’s a full statement from developer … Read more

Are some indie developers trying to profit off of the pandemic?

If you look at the upcoming release calendar on Steam, there are no fewer than five games that have the words COVID, coronavirus, or pandemic in their title. This is just in the next ten days. Is this an oddball coincidence? Certainly not. However, the question is whether these small studios – many of which … Read more

EVO 2020 fighting game tournament drops Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has been cut from the EVO 2020 roster. As with basically everything, the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting EVO 2020. The normally in-person event will be replaced with a format that takes place completely online. But the bigger news is what won’t be featured at this year’s competition. EVO 2020 will run … Read more

Tokyo Game Show 2020 convention canceled; digital events planned

In a not-too-surprising development, an in-person Tokyo Game Show has been canceled for 2020. The organizers cite the COVID-19 pandemic. The show – which is the largest video game convention in the world – typically draws nearly 300,000 visitors each year. In a statement the Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association – which organizes TGS – lays … Read more

Online gaming can help us maintain relationships while social distancing

With the COVID-19 pandemic reaching its heights in recent days, we’ve had to relearn how we communicate with one another. Before, we’d meet with friends or family in person. Now, people are scheduling meetings over Facetime, or Zoom, or any other number of utilities that allow for not only a voice but a face to … Read more

Peppy Hare, Andross voice actor dies from coronavirus

Rick May – the voice actor behind Peppy Hare and Andross from Star Fox 64 – has died from complications with COVID-19. He was 79 years old. In addition to his work on Star Fox, May lent his voice to other video games. This includes his work as the narrator and Genghis Khan in Age … Read more

Play at Home: Sony offers Uncharted, Journey for free

Sony is encouraging its fans to stay at home with their new Play at Home campaign. And as part of it, they are giving away two free games. Sony is offering fans free copies of Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection and Journey on PS4. The digital downloads will be available starting on April 15 at … Read more

Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite experiencing global shortages

Nintendo is experiencing global shortages of its popular Switch and Switch Lite. To alleviate shortages elsewhere, the company is temporarily halting shipments of the system to Japan. The shortages come as a result of the closure of production facilities in China during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nintendo confirmed the console shortages to CNN Business. “Nintendo Switch … Read more