Nintendo cancels and delays multiple events due to threats

Nintendo has officially canceled the Nintendo Live Tokyo 2024 event scheduled for January due to safety concerns arising from threats directed at staff and visitors. Additionally, the Splatoon esports tournament planned for the upcoming weekend has been postponed, and the Splatoon World Championship 2024 faces a delay until further notice.

Nintendo has not disclosed the precise nature of the safety concerns. In a statement released on the company website and X, Nintendo mentioned receiving “persistent threats targeting our employees,” which had extended to “spectators” planning to attend the Splatoon event.

「スプラトゥーン甲子園 2023 全国決勝大会」の開催延期および「Nintendo Live 2024 TOKYO」の開催中止を決定しました。
イベントを楽しみにしていただいていたお客様には大変申し訳ございませんが、何卒ご理解のほどよろしくお願いいたします。
詳しくは下記をご覧下さい。 https://t.co/uwcAjUSPte

— 任天堂株式会社 (@Nintendo) December 7, 2023

Initially planned for January 20th and 21st in Tokyo, Nintendo Live 2024 was expected to showcase playable versions of upcoming Switch games, live concerts, and other activities. The cancellation follows this year’s Nintendo Live 2023 event held in Seattle.

While the company has not provided specific details about the threats, the cancellation and postponement indicate the severity of the safety concerns. The 2024 gaming landscape for Nintendo holds considerable anticipation, with expectations of the arrival of the rumored Switch 2 and confirmed releases, such as a new Princess Peach game and a Paper Mario: Thousand Year Door remake, among others.

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