Overwatch League Matches Canceled For The Next Two Months

Following several other event cancellations, Activision Blizzard has called off the Overwatch League's March and April matches due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Overwatch League's official Twitter account shared a statement explaining the rationale for canceling matches for the next two months. According to the statement, the OWL will reinstate games "when it's safe and logistically feasible" to do so, with the intention of staying as close to the original schedule as possible.

No adjustments have been made to any other OWL events on the schedule yet. Should things change, however, the organization said it will provide updates wherever necessary.

"The health and safety of employees, fans, players, teams, and partners is paramount to Activision Blizzard Esports," the statement reads. "We are continuing to closely monitor COVID-19 (coronavirus), city-level recommendations and mandates, and all guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"After careful review and working in close collaboration with our teams, we are canceling all Overwatch League events scheduled for March and April. For more details on these specific events, please visit host team websites and follow their social channels.

"Concurrently, we are working hand-in-hand with our teams to see that all matches are played when it's safe and logistically feasible, staying as close to our originally planned schedule as possible. We are considering the various options available to esports in this effort, so that all teams – including those previously impacted by scheduling changes in China – can get back to doing what they do best.

"No adjustments have been made for any other scheduled Overwatch League events. We will share additional updates, as needed."

Though E3 2020 was also canceled, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), the organization responsible for the annual trade show, said the event may continue as an "online experience." The lobbyist group also said that when E3 returns in June 2021 it will be "a reimagined event that brings fans, media, and the industry together in a showcase that celebrates the global video game industry."