Japanese tech firm Sony has postponed a showcase event for games in development for its forthcoming PlayStation 5 video game console due to ongoing protests in the US.
Sony did not directly mention the protests in its statement about delaying the US games event for its PlayStation 5 console. The event, which will unveil some of the games being developed for the console, was originally scheduled on Thursday.
In the statement, Sony said: “We have decided to postpone the PlayStation 5 event scheduled for June 4. While we understand gamers worldwide are excited to see PS5 games, we do not feel that right now is a time for celebration and for now, we want to stand back and allow more important voices to be heard.”
Sony’s announcement and stand on the issue
The tech company’s decision to postpone the event allows it to avoid risks associated with the promotion of games that were likely to involve violence and fighting at a time when the country is faced with stand-offs and clashes.
Several video games correspondents who were slated to cover the event welcomed Sony’s decision.
Samit Sarkar, front page editor of the games news website Polygon, posted on Twitter: "Good - you'll have to excuse me for not being in the mood for next-gen hype this week.”
Meanwhile, Rachel Weber, managing director of GamesRadar added: "Well done Sony."
While the company did not directly pertain to the ongoing protests in its announcement, Sony had been more vocal about its stand in its social media posts earlier.
A few hours prior to the postponement notice, the company tweeted: "We denounce systemic racism and violence against the black community. We will continue to work towards a future marked by empathy and inclusion and stand with our black creators, players, employees, families and friends. #BlackLivesMatter."
Naughty Dog, one of Sony’s games studios, said it was making donations to national and local US organizations to help address racism and injustice.
It wrote: “Now is not the time for any of us to be silent. For too long have too many suffered under a systematic problem in America. Too many have lost sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, fathers, and mothers. We stand in solidarity against racism and injustice.”
“Now is the time for all to do our part and end anti-Black racism and violence. Many of us at Naughty Dog are donating to national and local organizations. Please consider donating yourself. We hope to see the beginning of lasting change for POC in America. #BlackLivesMatter.”
Other tech companies that delayed events
Planned launch events by other tech firms have also been canceled.
Video game publisher Electronic Arts decided to move its reveal event for its latest sports title, Madden NFL 21, saying "we stand with our African American / Black community... we'll find another time to talk football with you".
Fellow publisher Activision also postponed the release of new season content for Call of Duty: Warzone, arguing that "now is not the time".
Last month, Google decided to delay the online launch event for Android 11, the next version of Android, as well as the release of a version for testers.
