Sony Cancels Plans To Attend PAX East, Boston Mayor Writes A Letter Asking Them To Reconsider

The threat of the dreaded COVID-19 virus has forced a number of gaming companies to reconsider their plans for PAX East 2020 this weekend, Sony Interactive Entertainment among them. The company announced last week that they will not be attending the event due to concerns about the rapidly spreading virus. With a number of companies already deciding to skip the even this year, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh decided to write a letter to Sony Executive Shuhei Yoshida asking him to reconsider.

“While we understand that you are concerned for the health and safety of your workforce, we urge you to reconsider and to learn more about the realities of this global health issue,” wrote Walsh. He also assured the Yoshida that there was “no threat” of the coronavirus in the city and that, “the risk of contracting coronavirus in Boston and Massachusetts remains extremely low.”

Sony, however, feels that cancelling is the best option for the company. “We felt this was the safest option as the situation is changing daily,” said Sony. “We are disappointed to cancel our participation in this event, but the health and safety of our global workforce is our highest concern.”

PAX East organizers on the other hand are taking additional precautions during the event. “No company from mainland China will have anyone from mainland China at the show,” wrote a PAX representative to the Boston Herald. PAX organizers also said that they will have “enhanced cleaning and sanitization” during this weekend’s event.