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The PUBG Mobile Pro League South Asia tourney, one of the biggest mobile gaming competitions in the world, will be changing formats this year due to the coronavirus. Instead of having a venue where fans could watch in person, the tournament will now be purely online matches, according to Engadget.
“The health and safety of our players and staff are our first priority. Hence, we have decided to convert the PUBG Mobile Pro League South Asia 2020 to online event due to unforeseen circumstances related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak,” Tencent and PUBG Corp jointly announced, according to Bleeding Cool.
The companies explained that the change is necessary to protect the players and the staff. “The event will start from March 19th without our fan and audience presence as we take the well-being of our staff and players, as well as the public health very seriously,” Tencent and PUBG Corp added. “Fans and audience could enjoy the game via our live streaming platform youtube.com/PUBGMOBILEEsports.”
The two companies also added that they intend to comply with all the necessary precautionary measures. “We adhere to all the guidance and recommended precautionary measures as we continue to welcome you to enjoy PUBG Mobile,” the statement reads.
“PUBG Mobile” is not the only esports event that was affected by the coronavirus outbreak. For instance, Blizzard canceled “Overwatch” matches earlier to help keep the virus from spreading.
Aside from games, the ongoing coronavirus outbreak also forced the cancelation of several tech events. The world’s biggest annual smartphone conference, the Mobile World Congress, had to be canceled this year over fears of the coronavirus’ spread.
The event, which would have been held in Barcelona this year, was canceled on February 12, Business Insider reported. “With due regard to the safe and healthy environment in Barcelona and the host country today, the GSMA has canceled MWC Barcelona 2020 because the global concern regarding the coronavirus outbreak, travel concern and other circumstances, make it impossible for the GSMA to hold the event,” the statement reads.
Game Developers Conference (GDC) was also canceled due to the coronavirus outbreak. The GDC, the largest video game development trade show, was supposed to take place in San Francisco from March 16 to 20 but it was announced on February 28 that it has been postponed until summer.
