Nintendo and joined the likes of Microsoft and Bungie by bringing in a 'work from home' policy for its staff in the face of the growing threat of the global coronavirus outbreak.
Echoing statements released by Microsoft and Destiny studio Bungie, Nintendo told Kotaku:
Nintendo of America has taken the precautionary step to allow NOA employees in the states of California and Washington the opportunity to work from home. The safety and wellbeing of our employees is our top priority. We are continuing to closely monitor COVID-19 developments, and share our concerns and support for those affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.
This isn't the only way coronavirus has made its presence felt in the games industry today; earlier on, we reported on a delay to the production and shipping of Konami's PC Engine Mini, and the 2020 Pokémon Europe International Championships has also be cancelled in the wake of the outbreak.
[source kotaku.com]
Comments 30
That’s probably the best way to go about it. If everybody hunkered down for a couple of weeks, the virus’ spread would be reduced massively but not every company can afford to give their employees the time off or work from home.
No Direct anytime soon then
@HammerKirby Unless they do a low budget webcam version with everyone at remote locations. 😂
Amazing job Nintendo, safety over profits.
oh man 2020 isn't starting out too great, this is probably the best decision they can make till this situation blows over.
There have been about 15-ish cases in my state so far, 2 of which were in my county
I bet these employees are happy to work from home for a few weeks, I would be
@HammerKirby fortunately, I don’t think that would have much to do with a Direct release. Such a thing’s creation/ release wouldn’t require in-person socializing any more than any other editing project.
I’m not sure Bungie has shown up to work for awhile. Their Season passes could have been done by a modder in his moms basement.
@HammerKirby I doubt this would affect the timing of a Direct. It’s not like they make them last minute; there’s probably one already made and ready to be streamed at a set date.
Oh no, God help us if we lose a Direct!/s
Two new cases near Atlanta, still 5 hours far enough away for me to justify asking my boss to work from home.
Working from home is awesome. I've been doing it for 3 years now
Wish I could work from home but being a mailman I don't have that luxary. Gloves and masks for me till they say otherwise. 😞
Makes sense. That senior care center than had coronavirus was in Kirkland WA, and Nintendo of America is barely a mile away from there, more or less.
Yeah, I don't see a Direct happening anytime soon.
E3 is probably cancelled too.
The fact is, if Corona-Chan has her way, we would be lucky to get ANY game releases later this year.
Development aside, remember they still have to manufacture and ship these games, unless they're digital-only.
Remember all that thin air people were blowing about "Nintendo and Microsoft are partnering up"? Then the Game Awards happened and XBOX Series X was revealed.
Work from home or WFH as we call it in HR is quickly catching on in the corporate world. Our company is also offering WFH for any associates with Covid-19 symptoms
@backup368 What?
I'm actually good to wait on a Nintendo Direct. Safety is a top priority and I can wait until this all subsides, whether we all like it or not.
However, dismissing E3 because of this is sort of jaw dropping. But surprising how this would be the only time that the show would be cancelled. I don't see E3 being cancelled once in its 20+ years all because of an outbreak. I just don't.
@KingBowser Lol A video game trade-show getting cancelled would be among the least surprising things to happen.
We could be looking at Martial-Law situations in many areas of the nation.
We have to consider the real possibility that Covid-19 has delayed the Nintendo Direct that usually happens during Q1 every year.
Probably for the best. A WHO report says that the amount of new cases cropping up in China has declined. But the only way that happened, was by allowing basically the whole country to stay at home for a while. So that’s what everyone should be doing...
Well that means no Direct next week or anytime soon basically.
@james161723 If a Direct was scheduled to stream next week, then it'd already be done, dusted and ready to go by now. If the Smash Bros. Direct(s) are any indication, these things are put together MONTHS in advance.
@mesome713 this as well as the cancelling of the international championships, could be more about profit then your realizing. needlessly exposing your customers & employees to danger is more or less asking for for your profits to drop. doing this on the other hand is good PR and helps keep your paying customers playing more in the long run and remaining loyal as well as saves the potential hassle of having the work hindered due to lack of staff. can't get much done if most of your workforce is sick. now if only they could just go and stop sakurai from his overworking tendencies...
@Octane Do I have to write my comment again?
You think they'll use the Nintendo Switch Online app for conferences?
@backup368 I just... don't understand it. What do you mean exactly?
@backup368 What has your comment to do with this article beside Microsoft and Nintendo are both named here?
@james161723 The direct playlist was updated on the 4th. If the direct was finished, they will show it when they want to. Usually when the direct playlist is updated, it means a direct has been uploaded. If there was a direct uploaded on the 4th, it will likely show next week.
Tap here to load 30 comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...