How Coronavirus is Affecting Esports Scene
Since December, the world has been closely monitoring the ongoing cases of COVID-19, commonly known as the coronavirus. More than 3,000 people have already lost their lives to this disease, and it has spread to over 50 countries.
The global esports scene has also been significantly impacted, especially since the majority of cases originated from China. Many events have been postponed or held without live audiences. One of the esports ecosystems hit hardest by the virus is the League of Legends (LoL) esports ecosystem.
Impact on Leagues
The Chinese LPL and Korean LCK leagues have been hit particularly hard by the virus, leading to their postponement until the situation improves. The LPL has resorted to continuing the season with online games since March 9th, and the LCK may follow suit if necessary. However, there are still potential consequences that the global League scene could face in the coming months.
The Future of the 2020 Mid-Season Invitational
Last week, Riot Games announced a delay in revealing the location for the MSI 2020 event due to the coronavirus. Typically held in May after the Spring Split, fans now have less time to plan for the event. Popular esports journalist Travis Gafford confirmed that Korea or China was not the original location due to the contagious nature of the virus. The risk of infection remains high, even with preventative measures such as temperature checks and hygiene stations. Riot may need to consider hosting an audience-less MSI on LAN, following the example of ESL’s IEM Katowice playoffs.
Potential Changes to Worlds 2020
This year’s World Championship, scheduled to be held in China, presents a different challenge for Riot Games. While there has been a significant decrease in new coronavirus cases in China, the situation globally remains uncertain. Riot could wait to see if the virus situation improves, but this decision comes with its own problems. If the safety and health of attendees, players, and staff are compromised, finding a replacement location later in the year will be difficult. Riot could consider switching the host countries for this year and 2021, with North America hosting this year’s tournament instead of next year. This would allow more time for the virus to be contained within China’s borders.
However, this would require extensive planning and protocols to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Riot needs to make a decision soon, as Worlds is a major esports event. Safety should be the top priority, and updates from Riot can be expected in the coming weeks.
coronavirus, COVID-19, esports, League of Legends, LPL, LCK, Mid-Season Invitational, Worlds 2020