One of the biggest mobile gaming tournaments is changing format to deal with the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. Tencent and PUBG Corporation are turning the PUBG Mobile Pro League South Asia tourney into an online event due to “unforeseen circumstances” with the virus. It’ll still be available to watch online at PUBG Mobile‘s esports-oriented YouTube channel fans just won’t get to watch in person.
This definitely isn’t the first esports event to be affected by COVID-19. Blizzard cancelled Overwatch matches to reduce the risk of the virus spreading. It is one of the more prominent examples, though, and shows that some forms of pro-level competitive gaming can persist even when a health crisis makes it risky to gather a real-world audience.
- The event will start from March 19 without any fan or audience presence
- Tencent Games joins a growing list of tech companies who have been moving their events online
Beijing: Tencent and PUBG Corporation on Wednesday announced that the PUBG Mobile Pro League will be converted into an online competition until further notice due ongoing coronavirus outbreak.
“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,” the company said in a statement.
The event will start from March 19 without any fan or audience presence. Meanwhile, one could enjoy the game via our live streaming platforms, the PUBGM India channels of Facebook and YouTube.
“We adhere to all the guidance and recommended precautionary measures as we continue to welcome you to enjoy PUBG MOBILE,” the company added.
With the latest development, Tencent Games joins a growing list of tech companies who have been moving their events online.
Recently, Google announced that they will be cancelling I/O 2020 and Facebook’s F8 as well as Microsoft MVP Summit have also been called off.
This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.
