PlayStation has announced it is withdrawing from its scheduled appearance at PAX East next week due to concerns surrounding COVID-19 (known as novel coronavirus). The slate of playable games was originally set to include The Last of Us Part II, Final Fantasy VII Remake, Persona 5 Royal, Iron Man VR, and more.
You can see PlayStation's full statement surrounding its decision below as posted on PlayStation Blog.
"Today, Sony Interactive Entertainment made the decision to cancel its participation at PAX East in Boston this year due to increasing concerns related to COVID-19 (also known as “novel coronavirus”). We felt this was the safest option as the situation is changing daily. We are disappointed to cancel our participation in this event, but the health and safety of our global workforce is our highest concern."The Last of Us Part II developer Naughty Dog also released the following statement on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/Naughty_Dog/status/1230191340719235072This isn't the first instance of coronavirus impacting the games industry. Earlier this month, Private Division announced a delay in the Switch version of The Outer Worlds, and Bloomberg reports Nintendo may be facing Switch shortages due to the virus.
PAX East is set to take place in Boston, Mass. from February 27 to March 1.
[Source: PlayStation Blog]