With China still in the grip of coronavirus Covid-19, millions of people are on lockdown, and many of them are finding solace in video games during their isolation. From the first reports of infection coming in the last days of 2019, the virus has spread throughout China and around the world, resulting in more than 70,000 cases and around 2,000 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University.
While far less serious than the toll its taken on public health, the outbreak has also thrown global trade into turmoil, with coronavirus effects felt even in gaming. Some of the biggest economic effects have come from production delays. Nintendo Switch consoles and copies of Ring Fit Adventure, which includes an accessory made in China, were delayed in Japan, though the country said it didn’t anticipate similar delays worldwide. The Switch port of Obsidian’s The Outer Worlds was also delayed, as Virtuous, the developer handling the port, had to close its offices in China. Esports events that would have involved travel inside China were also cancelled or delayed. Activision-Blizzard cancelled Overwatch League matches in China because of the outbreak. PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds and League of Legends both had events postponed or cancelled as well.
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According to CNN, many people in China report that they’re filling the time with gaming as the coronavirus continues to spread. Millions of people are stuck indoors as the government has extended the Lunar New Year holiday to slow the spread of the virus and people who have traveled recently are also required to self-quarantine before returning to work. People interviewed by CNN say that gaming during the quarantine helps them take their minds off the tense situation and stay connected with friends even when they can’t visit in person.
Mobile game downloads and revenue are also way up during this extended holiday season. Popular mobile games Honor of Kings, PUBG, and League of Legends are seeing twice the amount of players that they did last Lunar New Year. Honor of Kings hit an all-time record for daily average users in the last week of January.
Covid-19 is nothing to make light of, having cost many people their lives and endangering thousands more. For those living through such an outbreak, though, it’s natural to want an escape. While it may seem frivolous, having one like gaming, which can provide camaraderie and enjoyment as well as a distraction, could mean the world to someone who might otherwise be stuck with little to do but wonder when the danger will pass.
Source: Johns Hopkins University, CNN
