Yes, we’re doing another roundup of stories from the novel coronavirus’ impact on our slice of the gaming pie. This one, though, has some nice warm fuzzies for everyone. And honestly, a little pick-me-up is never a bad thing in this wonkadoodle timeline.
First off, let’s discuss Square Enix’s MMORPGs, Final Fantasy XI and Final Fantasy XIV. Both of these games are still up and running without too much issue, but the dev teams from both games have shared a copy-pasted message about customer support suspensions for North America and Europe as a result of the virus. Further disruption to customer support, schedule delays, or other limits on development and operations may be imposed, so fans for each game are guided to each title’s respective Lodestone page for more details.
Please click on the image or visit our website for an update from the #FFXI team regarding the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. https://t.co/Q7VZ3mz0ZC pic.twitter.com/YckvyTVr0N
— FINAL FANTASY XI (@FFXI_EN) April 1, 2020
With the pandemic comes disruptions in terms of manufacturing as well, so perhaps you’re among those who are nervous about whether the Xbox Series X console will actually make it to its projected release date. According to Xbox’s Phil Spencer, you can try to relax, as there are no immediate roadblocks in the way as the manufacturing in China is coming back online.
“We have nothing right now that says we’re not gonna make the dates that we’ve been planning, but I’ll also say that’s kind of real-time stuff and I am gonna put the safety and security of the teams at the top, along with a quality product.”
Now for those promised warm fuzzies: Sony has made a $10M donation to the World Health Organization’s Solidarity Response Fund in order to help combat COVID-19. This donation is part of a greater $100M global relief fund started by the company, along with other initiatives such as leveraging Sony’s technology to support educational activities and supporting up-and-coming creators.
Albion Online is doing it’s part as well with sales of a limited-time charity pack that offers a Staff of Hermes offhand skin and a Staff of Hermes avatar ring. 100% of the sales of these charity packs will benefit the same WHO COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund that Sony’s donation is going to. The packs will be available until April 30th.
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.
