I think it’s high time I took over one of these coronavirus roundup stories, wouldn’t you agree? So allow me to offer yet another collection of gaming news bites spawned from the ongoing pandemic.
First off, Gamescom is looking to “expand its digital format” this August 25th through the 29th. A statement from the Koelnmesse venue and German industry association Game announced the expansion of digital events like last year’s Opening Night Live format while an evaluation of whether the physical show will go on will happen in mid-May.
Speaking of digital events, World of Warcraft has confirmed that the upcoming Mythic Dungeon International esports event will be going all-digital, with remote broadcasts and casters working from home. The event itself is still scheduled to go on as planned.
— World of Warcraft (@Warcraft) March 30, 2020
Do you love yourself some Neverwinter? Then you’ll want to take advantage of a free Adventurer’s Fast Track pack which includes a 25-slot inventory bag, a Gilded Giant Spider mount, a Kenku Archer companion, and a whole gaggle of boost items. These goodies are offered to PC and console players, but you’ve only got until April 2nd to claim your free stuff.
And hey, if you happen to be playing on consoles a lot (MMOs or otherwise), there are some important limitations being imposed in order to ensure that things run as smoothly as possible in a time where internet usage is at an all-time high. More specifically, Xbox is limiting custom uploads as well as working with publishers to deliver high-bandwidth things like game updates during off-peak hours. PlayStation is also joining in the internet preservation effort with slowed or delayed game downloads, and even Steam is getting in on the act with scheduled game updates during off-peak hours.
Finally, GamesIndustry has taken a look at some market data from GSD and broken it down to see what’s happening with game sales during this unique point in history. In synopsis, digital sales are up by over 52% while physical sales are still holding strong for now, and console sales have seen a significant uptick, jumping by 155% across the board.
More on the impact of the virus on gaming:
MOP's been covering the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on online gaming since January 2020, and we're still going from behind our own quarantines, both to keep up with the news and be a source of entertainment and comfort too. Stay abreast of the big MMO impacts with us, but please be safe and care for your communities above all else.
