QuakeCon 2020 Cancelled Due to COVID-19 Pandemic

QuakeCon 2020 is the latest in a line of popular gaming events that’s been cancelled due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. Bethesda and id Software shared the news on Twitter, noting how discussion had been going on for the past few weeks. This particular year was special since it marked the 25th anniversary of the event.

“However, with all the logistical challenges and uncertainties we currently face due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have made the difficult to cancel this year’s QuakeCon. The health and safety of our employees, volunteers, vendors, sponsors, and players will always be our top priority, and in these times it felt wrong to be talking about a gathering when a gathering is the last thing any of us should be doing right now.”

Though QuakeCon 2020 was set to take place in August, both companies said, “We don’t know what the state of the pandemic will be this August. We do know it won’t be possible to complete the work and planning with partners, vendors, volunteers, and others that is required to make QuakeCon a success.”

Such a cancellation at this stage isn’t surprising. E3 2020 was slated to take place in June but was cancelled earlier this month with a digital experience likely planned. GDC 2020 was pushed forward to August while Gamescom 2020 will assess the situation by mid-May before determining whether the on-site event needs to be cancelled. On the bright side, there will still be some kind of digital format for this year’s Gamescom.

Of course, there will likely be some online reveals for whatever was planned at QuakeCon 2020. The cancellation of any planned tournaments will likely be a heavy blow for competitors though. Stay tuned for more details and updates on Bethesda’s plans in the coming months.