Nintendo, the renowned Japanese video game manufacturer, has taken the unprecedented step of canceling its highly anticipated video game showcase, Nintendo Live 2024 Tokyo, and postponing several associated events due to ongoing security concerns.
In a translated statement, the Kyoto-based company cited its inability to guarantee customers' safety in the face of persistent threats against the company, its employees, and players.
"Our company has been persistently receiving threats targeting our employees, and recently, the targets of these threats have spread to spectators, staff, etc. of the 'Splatoon Koshien 2023 National Finals'. Considering safety as our top priority, we have made the decision to postpone the event," Nintendo said in the statement.
This picture taken on February 5, 2023 shows the logo of game giant Nintendo at a store in Tokyo. - Nintendo were expected to announce their third quarter results later on February 7.
Nintendo Live 2024 Tokyo Event Postponed
The annual Nintendo Live 2024 Tokyo event, initially scheduled for January 20th and 21st, is a significant platform for showcasing Nintendo's latest games and allowing attendees to experience them firsthand in a vast exhibition hall in Tokyo.
However, the cancellation comes as a response to undisclosed threats, prompting Nintendo to prioritize the safety of its audience. In addition to the cancellation of Nintendo Live 2024 Tokyo, several contests have been postponed, including the Japan championship for the popular ink-shooting game Splatoon, initially slated for later in December.
Also affected are next year's Mario Kart and Splatoon contests, both of which have been rescheduled. In the statement, Nintendo has refrained from providing specific details about the nature of the threats but confirmed that law enforcement authorities had been alerted to the situation.
The company expressed regret over the inconvenience caused by these decisions but emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and security of all participants and stakeholders.
Threats Against Nintendo Employees
The statement also cited the persistent threats targeting Nintendo employees, with an alarming escalation that extended to spectators and staff associated with the "Splatoon Koshien 2023 National Finals."
In light of these evolving circumstances, the decision was made to postpone the event, putting safety as the top priority. Furthermore, the "Splatoon 3 World Championship 2024," linked to the "Splatoon Koshien 2023 National Finals," will also be postponed.
The statement further outlined the cancellation of the "Nintendo Live 2024 TOKYO" event due to concerns about securing tickets for the "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Online Challenge Final Stage" and "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe," originally part of the scheduled program.
The dates for the rescheduled events, including the "Splatoon Koshien 2023 National Final Tournament," "Splatoon 3 World Championship 2024," "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Online Challenge Final Stage," and "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe World Championship 2024," will be communicated on Nintendo's official website and X account once finalized.
Nintendo apologized for any inconvenience caused by these adjustments and thanked its fans and event participants for their understanding.
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