Citing Travel Restrictions, More Devs Could Follow
9AM UPDATE: NowGamer is citing a Capcom representative who told them, “no one from Capcom Japan will be attending E3 this year.” Kotaku is reporting upon their reaching Capcom for comment, however, that the status of the Japanese division is merely “under review,” the result of “tough restrictions in force by Japanese immigration.” If the latter holds true, it could bring into question whether other Japanese divisions could be held back. This bears serious watching, especially if the government has stepped in to impose travel restrictions.
Our original story follows below.
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When much of the gaming press, including us, reported on the concern surrounding E3′s viability in the heat of a possible H1N1 or “swine” flu pandemic, not many thought much of it. Many noted that organizers are making the right call by proceeding with the show as planned, and that the media is simply hyping a story and a virus that has thus far killed less this year than the regular flu strain.
But with thousands of cases of H1N1 now confirmed in the United States–seven of those fatal–the concern is apparently being taken very seriously at Capcom.
The company’s Japanese division has, in effect, barred its employees from travelling internationally in the wake of the flu strain’s spread. That restriction took effect even though Japan has been hit with an outbreak spanning over a hundred cases. The travel embargo has impacted Capcom’s presence at the Nordic Game Conference in Sweden, where Mega Man creator Keiji Inafune was slated to show up. Capcom’s corporate wide policy put the kabosh on his appearance, and it may do the same on the whole company division for E3.
Speaking to British site Develop, Capcom Japan representatives said they have not given the green light for their personnel to travel to Los Angeles for the grand event. Saying the company is still “undecided” on the matter, they noted a decision will be made in the coming days.
If Capcom Japan doesn’t show up for the show, it will be one of the first and perhaps only major developer to back out of E3 simply due to swine flu concern.
Capcom reps did note that the embargo doesn’t yet apply to the company’s US and European divisions, and they are expected to attend the show. Still, the lack of the Capcom’s big stars could have a substantial impact on the buzz they could generate for upcoming titles at the show.
Do you think Capcom is overreacting to the H1N1 flu scare, or are they simply trying to protect their best and brightest minds? Tell us in the comments section.
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Sheesh, I would think over-reaction. Then again down here in aus we’ve had like, what seven or something cases, and the media hasn’t even released if the effected people are even contagious. From the range of people I’ve talked to from work, school, and family the outlook is ‘ a media hyped story’. But if you live in the U.S, or Japan in this case, perhaps nearby somebody with a confirmed case you may feel a bit different. Heck I’ve got a friend in Central America, and since he’s living a little closer to the flu’s origins his views would probably be a tad different. Perhaps better safe than sorry, but I still think: overreaction.
OMFG TEH SWINE FLU WILL KILL U O NOES!!
OMFG TEH SWINE FLU WILL KILL U O NOES!!
Seriously unessescary overeaction.
(sorry for the double post, must have been my computer)
They’d better go, I want to see Tatsunoko vs Capcom in action…
idiots
Capcom are strange.
As a consumer, I don’t like this. However if I was a business man, I’d never let even my janitors go somewhere with a virus that people were proclaiming would be a pandemic. I hope that, even if Capcom of Japan doesn’t show, it doesn’t affect their showings too much.
Lets just ignore that Capcom has studios in China. SARS, Bird Flu, and the black plague are O K.
I don’t care, I’m not intrested in Capcom at all. But they can show the fans new stuff in other ways, so why make a big thing about it? Probably it is just that you want the fans to know that there’s no capcom at E3 this year.
I really hate this swine flu, they have nothing better to talk about in the newspaper.
So I don’t get to see Tatsunoko vs Capcom… F***!!!
Capcom Fail
Don’t insult the bacon animals!
Pussies.
@Tails: Flus are contagious BTW.
Osnic: What? Dont you like monster hunter 3?!
I never understood people’s fears. It kills a few people who are understandably vulnerable to sickness of any sort, and everybody panics. Any other flu has taken far more lives than Swine flu ever did. Just have good hygene and you’ll be safe from that and other sicknesses worse than swine flu out there. Overreaction indeed.
noo! they were about to announce street fighter alpha 3 for xblive arcade!!
@ flame6753: We’re both a little disappointed huh.
@Tails the Hedgehog: THE SWINE FLU IS IN AUSTRALIA!!!