With the way things have been going this year, it was only a matter of time before Japan's premiere gaming expo would err on the side of caution and cancel its physical event. It's unfortunate, but with the spread of COVID-19 still climbing in many areas, entirely necessary.
The official statement from the event's organizers, the CESA, reads as follows:
Due to the outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) on a global scale and the situation remains unpredictable in Japan as well, the organizer and the co-organizers have reached this decision after a long consideration to place the utmost priority on the health and safety of visitors, exhibitors and stakeholders. We ask for your kind understanding and cooperation.
There is a silver lining, however, as preparations are already underway to put on a digital event. That will certainly save a lot of people money on airfare.
There's currently no additional information as to what a digital Tokyo Game Show is going to look like - other than that it's happening. That said, with every other major gaming expo transitioning over to a digital format this year, Tokyo Game Show is in the advantageous position of being able to draw inspiration from their labors.
