While Events for Gamers has started keeping track of events in and around games and related technology that will be going live in the second half of 2021, there are many event organizers choosing to play it safe for 2021, especially for the next few months. This week, like dominoes, several influential and impactful events have been canceled or confirmed as online-online. We’ll summarize the events announced since the start of the week:
PAX East:Â
In light of ongoing public health concerns, ReedPop and Penny Arcade will not hold PAX East this year. Given the US’ progress towards addressing COVID-19 in recent months, we’re cautiously optimistic West & Unplugged will proceed in-person festivities Sept 3-6 and Dec 10-12.
— PAX (@pax) March 29, 2021
Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) East organizers have decided to cancel PAX East this year (even with a date that was bumped to the mid-year) in favor of hosting in-person PAX West and Unplugged closer to the end of 2021. Expect, instead, an PAX Online to be hosted in July 15-19, according to a statement from the organizers.
WWDC:
While Apple made no official commitments about returning to either an online or physical event format for 2021 for its Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Apple officially committed to an online and free event for June 7-11, 2021. At this event, keep an eye out for new hardware and software announcements, some of which could certainly be of interest to gamers (especially those with Apple devices).
Take a look at Apple’s blog post for a few more details about their WWDC event.
SGDQ:
Announcement: With the health and safety of all in mind, #SGDQ2021 is now SGDQ 2021 Online, happening July 4 – 11. Expect the same weeklong charity speedrun event you know and love!
Runners: Submissions open March 31 at 11:59 PM EDT!
More info: https://t.co/Gja49VasM8
— Games Done Quick (@GamesDoneQuick) March 30, 2021
Last but not least (especially as this particular event is all about speed, after all), the organizers of the charity fundraising-focused speedrunners event, Summer Games Done Quick, that they’re going with an all-digital format for their event this year, which will be hosted from July 4-11.
