In support of the ongoing worldwide protests and media blackouts, IGN has announced that the start of their “Summer of Gaming” event has been delayed to Monday, June 8. The event had initially been planned to kick off on Friday, June 5.
IGN’s official statement confirmed that the delay was being made to show support to the Black Lives Matter movement. They also participated in the June 2 media blackouts, in addition to releasing a statement on Twitter:
Black Lives Matter. Period. IGN will go silent today in support of Blackout Tuesday to encourage reflection and dedicate ourselves to meaningful change in our community. https://t.co/Fx1BbOSKKy pic.twitter.com/ROQERvrobV
— IGN (@IGN) June 2, 2020
The Summer of Gaming is one of many gaming-related events that will be delayed as a result of the current global situation. Other postponed events include Sony’s announcement of new information regarding the upcoming PlayStation 5 console, EA’s Madden 21-related announcement, and CD Projekt Red’s Night City Wire meant to showcase Cyberpunk 2077. Some of these events have been rescheduled for later in June, while others have been postponed indefinitely.
IGN’s summer-long event, which was announced in the wake of E3 2020’s cancellation, is scheduled to last throughout the remainder of June and July. It will include announcements of upcoming titles, gameplay demos, interviews with developers, and more. Hopefully, the event can bring the gaming community together and spread some hope during these dark, uncertain times.
Expect future Summer of Gaming-related announcements to be made via the company’s official Twitter. IGN has also used its social media platform to provide gamers with information regarding how to donate to Black Lives Matter related organizations.
IGN has also announced that IGN’s sister company, Humble Bundle, is creating a $1 million fund dedicated to publishing games by Black developers. More information regarding this project will be announced in the future. Purchasing these games through the Humble Store will allow gamers to uplift Black creators while also furthering and supporting their passion for gaming.
GameLuster will continue to report on event delays, postponements, and cancellations as they occur.
