impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the video game industry

In contrast to many other economic sectors that are drastically affected by the pandemic restrictions, the video game industry has been more resilient. Most video game developers, publishers, and operators have been able to maintain operations with employees remote working to sustain game development and digital releases, though some productivity issues arose.{{cite web | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/21/technology/personaltech/coronavirus-video-game-production.html | title = Gaming Sales Are Up, but Production Is Down | first = Jason | last = Schreier | author-link = Jason Schreier | date = 21 April 2020 | access-date = 22 April 2020 | work = The New York Times }} With many people globally at home and unable to work, online gaming has observed record numbers of players during the pandemic as a popular activity to counter physical distancing for society, a practice recommended by the World Health Organization that helped boost revenues for many companies in the gaming industry.{{cite magazine | url = https://ew.com/gaming/coronavirus-videogames-industry-impact/ |title = Game (still) on: How coronavirus is impacting the gaming industry | first = Nick | last= Romero | date = 19 March 2020 | access-date = 27 March 2020 | magazine = Entertainment Weekly }}{{cite web | url = https://finance.yahoo.com/news/coronavirus-world-turning-to-video-games-150704969.html | title= The world is turning to video games amid coronavirus outbreak | first= Daniel | last = Howley | date = 18 March 2020 | access-date = 27 March 2020 | work = Yahoo! }}

There have still been negative impacts on the industry, notably with major trade events like E3 2020 cancelled or postponed which may have impacted relationships between the smaller developers and publishers. This has particularly impacted indie developers who typically use these events for face-to-face meetings with potential partners to gain funding and publishing support, and caused them to have to delay or cancel projects.{{cite web | url = https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2020-04-08-what-does-a-year-without-events-mean-for-indies | title = What does a year without events mean for indies? | first = Ryland H. | last = Garnett | date = 8 April 2020 | access-date = 10 April 2020 | work = GamesIndustry.biz }} Many esport leagues had to alter plans for their games, transitioning from live events to remote play or cancellation altogether. Portions of the sector that relied on physical products, such as retail stores and peripheral makers, as well as those dependent on in-person activities such as quality assurance through playtesting, ratings evaluation, and marketing, also struggled with global stay-at-home orders.{{cite web | url = https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2020-04-09-the-games-industry-must-protect-its-vulnerable-businesses | title = The games industry must protect its vulnerable businesses | first= Christopher | last = Dring | date = 9 April 2020 | access-date = 9 April 2020 | work = GamesIndustry.biz }}

As the origin of the pandemic, China was expected to impact the supply chains for electronics, which may limit hardware availability once the pandemic begins to be resolved. However, it did not impact plans for Microsoft and Sony to release the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 respectively in fall 2020.{{cite web | url = https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-51907663 | title = Animal Crossing, Warzone and the coronavirus impact | first= Steffan | last= Powell |date = 18 March 2020 | access-date = 27 March 2020 | work = BBC }}

Many trade events and expositions for the industry were cancelled or postponed due to bans against public gatherings during the pandemic. The pandemic led to some longer term changes in the way the industry handled public outreach, such an increasing its reliance on digital marketing.{{cite web |last1=B2B |first1=Christopher Dring Head of Games |title=E3 2023 is cancelled. ESA tells us why |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/e3-2023-is-cancelled-esa-tells-us-why |website=GamesIndustry.biz |language=en |date=30 March 2023}} The increasing importance of Nintendo Direct streams are an example of this.{{cite web |title=The Cancellation of E3: End of an Entertainment Era? {{!}} Redbrick Gaming |url=https://www.redbrick.me/the-cancellation-of-e3-end-of-an-entertainment-era/ |website=Redbrick |date=15 February 2024}}

• Electronic Entertainment Expo, also known as E3, was discontinued as a result of the pandemic. E3 2020 was cancelled by March that year.{{cite web | url = https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/e3-2020-coronavirus-actively-assessing-1203524365/ | title = E3 Organizers 'Actively Assessing' Coronavirus Outbreak, Still Planning to Hold June Event in L.A. | first = Todd | last = Spangler | date = 4 March 2020 | access-date = 4 March 2020 | work = Variety }} Additional events were arranged to substitute for the trade event, such as Geoff Keighley's Summer Game Fest.{{cite web | url = https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/summer-game-fest-2020-schedule-1234595351/ | title = Summer Game Fest 2020 Steps in to Fill E3 Void for Video-Game Biz | first= Todd | last= Spangler | date= 1 May 2020 | access-date = 1 May 2020 | work = Variety }} E3 2021 was initially scheduled as normal as an in-person event with virtual elements, but the in-person event was cancelled in February 2021 in favor of a digital event only.{{cite web |last=Robinson |first=Andy |date=February 8, 2021 |title=E3 pushes forward with plans for a digital 2021 event |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/e3-pushes-forward-with-plans-for-a-digital-2021-event/ |access-date=February 8, 2021 |work=Video Games Chronicle}} The event was not held again.{{Cite web |last=Parrish |first=Ash |date=2022-03-31 |title=E3 2022 is canceled |url=https://www.theverge.com/2022/3/31/23005138/e3-2022-online-virtual-event-canceled-covid-19 |access-date=2023-05-17 |website=The Verge |language=en-US}}
• Minecon was last held in 2016 but scheduled to return in 2020 as "Minecraft Festival". After several delays the in-person version was discontinued, though the online only event Minecraft Live which began in 2017 has continued to run.{{cite web | url = https://www.engadget.com/2020/03/05/minecraft-festival-postponed-coronavirus/ | title = Minecraft Festival is postponed due to coronavirus fears | first= Marc | last = DeAngelis | date = 5 March 2020 | access-date = 7 March 2020 | work = Engadget }}
• IgroMir 2020 and 2021 were cancelled, and the organisers faced a lawsuit over non-refunded fees. The organisers then "went silent" following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, meaning that the event was not held again after 2019.{{cite web |title=Выставки игр и Comic Con Russia {{!}} Канобу |url=https://kanobu.ru/articles/pokojtes-s-mirom-kakie-igrovyie-vyistavki-myi-poteryali-pomimo-e3-377742/ |website=Kanobu.ru |language=ru}}
• Comic-Con Russia had been formerly held alongside IgroMir, so the cancellation of the parent event also discontinued Comic-Con Russia.{{cite web |title=Выставки игр и Comic Con Russia {{!}} Канобу |url=https://kanobu.ru/articles/pokojtes-s-mirom-kakie-igrovyie-vyistavki-myi-poteryali-pomimo-e3-377742/ |website=Kanobu.ru |language=ru}}

• The 2020 Vancouver Retro Gaming Expo in New Westminster was postponed until 25 June 2022.
• The Taipei Game Show, planned from 6–9 February 2020, was postponed until 25–28 June 2020,{{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamer.com/taipei-game-show-postponed-over-coronavirus-emergency/ | title = Taipei Game Show postponed over coronavirus emergency | first = Andy | last = Chalk | date = 1 February 2020 | access-date = 2 February 2020 | work = PC Gamer }}{{cite web | url = https://www.siliconera.com/taipei-game-show-2020-confirms-new-summer-dates/ | title = Taipei Game Show 2020 Confirms Its New Summer Dates | first = Mercedez | last =Lewis | date = 19 February 2020 | access-date = 21 February 2020 | work = Siliconera }} but was cancelled in March 2020 due to pandemic's escalation.{{cite web | url = https://www.gematsu.com/2020/03/taipei-game-show-2020-cancelled-due-to-coronavirus-escalation | title = Taipei Game Show 2020 cancelled due to coronavirus escalation | first = Sal | last = Romano | date = 25 March 2020 | access-date = 8 April 2020 | work = Gematsu }}
• The Mobile World Congress, to have been held in Barcelona, Spain, in March 2020 was cancelled as several of the China-based vendors had to cancel plans.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/2/12/21127754/mwc-2020-canceled-coronavirus-trade-show-phone-mobile-world-congress-gsma-statement|title=The world's biggest phone show has been canceled due to coronavirus concerns|last=Warren|first=Tom|date=12 February 2020|website=The Verge|language=en|access-date=12 February 2020}}
• The 16th British Academy Games Awards, normally presented at a ceremony in London, were moved to a live streamed event due to concerns over the pandemic.{{cite web | url = https://variety.com/2020/biz/entertainment-industry/baftas-to-live-stream-game-awards-amid-coronavirus-fears-1203531869/ | title = BAFTAs to Live Stream Game Awards Amid Coronavirus Fears | first = Manori | last = Raindran | date = 12 March 2020 | access-date = 12 March 2020 | work = Variety }}
• Paris Games Week, planned for 23–27 October 2020, was cancelled.{{cite web | url = https://www.vg247.com/2020/05/07/paris-games-week-2020-canceled/ | title = Paris Games Week 2020 has been canceled | first = Stephany | last= Nunneley | date = 7 May 2020 | access-date = 7 May 2020 | work = VG247 }}
• Insomnia66, set to take place 10–13 April 2020 at the NEC, Birmingham was cancelled in March 2020{{Cite web|date=2020-03-13|title=Insomnia 66 canceled as COVID-19 takes down another convention|url=https://www.pcinvasion.com/insomnia-66-covid-19-canceled/|access-date=2021-10-07|website=PC Invasion|language=en-US}}
• COMPUTEX Taipei 2020, planned for 2–6 June 2020, was postponed to 28–30 September 2020,{{cite web |url=https://www.anandtech.com/show/15652/computex-2020-moved-to-september-in-response-to-coronavirus-pandemic |title=Computex 2020 Moved to September In Response to Coronavirus Pandemic |last=Smith |first=Ryan |work=AnandTech |date=24 March 2020 |access-date=26 March 2020}} but was cancelled in June 2020.{{cite web|url=https://focustaiwan.tw/sci-tech/202006120019|title=Computex 2020 cancelled amid concerns over COVID-19|date=12 June 2020|access-date=14 June 2020}}
• The 2020 BlizzCon was cancelled.{{cite web | url = https://www.gematsu.com/2020/05/blizzcon-2020-cancelled-due-to-coronavirus-concerns | title = BlizzCon 2020 cancelled due to coronavirus concerns | first= Sal | last= Romano | date = 26 May 2020 | access-date = 26 May 2020 | work = Gematsu }}
• Brasil Game Show 2020, which was planned for 8–12 October 2020, was cancelled.{{cite web|url=https://www.theenemy.com.br/pc/brasil-game-show-2020-e-cancelada-por-conta-pandemia-do-coronavirus|title=Brasil Game Show 2020 é cancelada por conta pandemia do coronavírus|last=Belattini|first=Por Rafael|language=pt|date=19 June 2020|access-date=20 June 2020}}
• South by Southwest in Austin, Texas, was cancelled,{{Cite web|url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/ryanhatesthis/sxsw-canceled-coronavirus|title=SXSW 2020 Has Been Cancelled Following Coronavirus Fears|website=BuzzFeed News|date=6 March 2020|access-date=6 March 2020}} though the SXSW Gaming Awards were still awarded though an online announcement in March 2020.{{cite web | url = https://www.sxsw.com/news/2020/announcing-the-2020-sxsw-gaming-awards-winners/ | title = Announcing the 2020 SXSW Gaming Awards Winners | publisher = SXSW | date = 24 March 2020 | access-date = 28 March 2020 }}
• Emerald City Comic Con planned for Seattle, Washington, in March was cancelled.{{cite news |last=Oxley |first=Dyer |date=6 March 2020 |title=Emerald City Comic Con 2020 has been postponed |url=https://kuow.org/stories/emerald-city-comic-con-is-canceled-for-2020 |publisher=KUOW |access-date=6 March 2020}}
• TwitchCon Europe and TwitchCon US were cancelled.{{cite web|url=https://esportsobserver.com/twitchcon-amsterdam-canceled |title=Twitch Cancels TwitchCon Amsterdam Event Amid Coronavirus Concerns |first=Kevin |last=Hitt |date=6 March 2020 |access-date=7 March 2020 |website=The Esports Observer}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/6/18/21175839/twitchcon-2020-san-diego-coronavirus-event-canceled|title=TwitchCon San Diego has been canceled|website=theverge.com|last=Peters|first=Jay|date=10 June 2020|access-date=29 June 2020}}
• The 25th QuakeCon event, planned for Dallas, Texas in August.{{cite web | url = https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/360407/QuakeCon_25_called_off_over_COVID19_concerns.php | title = QuakeCon 25 called off over COVID-19 concerns| first = Alissa | last = McAloon | date = 31 March 2020 | access-date = 31 March 2020 | work = Gamasutra }}
• San Diego Comic-Con, planned for July 2020, was cancelled.{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/entertainment/2020/4/17/21204523/san-diego-comic-con-2020-cancelled-postponed-ticket-refund-sdcc | title = San Diego Comic-Con 2020 canceled due to coronavirus concerns | first= Susano | last= Polo | date= 17 April 2020 | access-date = 17 April 2020 | work = Polygon}}
• The 17th annual Touhou Project dōjinshi convention (Reitaisai) planned in Tokyo, Japan, first planned on 22 March 2020, was postponed until 17 May, before being cancelled on 12 April,{{cite web|url=https://reitaisai.com/rts17/?p=616|title=令和二年（第十七回）博麗神社例大祭、開催「中止」のお知らせ|publisher=博麗神社社務所|language=ja|access-date=5 May 2020|date=12 April 2020}} five days following the initial announcement of a state of emergency made by the Japanese government.{{cite web|url=https://www.tokyo-np.co.jp/article/politics/list/202004/CK2020040702000160.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200409150531/https://www.tokyo-np.co.jp/article/politics/list/202004/CK2020040702000160.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 April 2020|title=＜新型コロナ＞きょう緊急事態宣言 首相「７都府県 １カ月程度」|publisher=Tokyo Web|language=ja|access-date=5 May 2020|date=7 April 2020}}
• Comiket 98, a dōjinshi convention held in Japan, was cancelled.{{cite web |last1=Harding |first1=Daryl |title=Comiket 98 Has Been Canceled to Limit the Spread of Coronavirus |url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2020/03/27-1/comiket-98-has-been-canceled-to-limit-the-spread-of-coronavirus |website=Crunchyroll |access-date=27 March 2020 |language=en-us}}
• PAX West 2020, originally scheduled for 4–7 September 2020 and PAX Australia 2020, originally scheduled for 9–11 October 2020, collaborated with EGX to host PAX Online x EGX Digital, which was held 12–20 September 2020.{{Cite web |title=PAX West 2020 canceled, goes digital with PAX Online this Fall |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/118689/pax-west-2020-canceled-goes-digital-with-pax-online-this-fall |access-date=4 July 2020 |website=Shacknews |date=16 June 2020 |language=en}}
• The 2021 Japanese Amusement Expo (JAEPO) was cancelled in an 1 October 2020's announcement.{{cite web |title=JAEPO 2021 新型コロナウイルス感染拡大防止のため 幕張メッセでの開催を中 |url=https://jaia.jp/お知らせ/jaepo-2021%E3%80%80新型コロナウイルス感染拡大防止のため-幕張/ |access-date=23 December 2020}}
• Super MAGFest 2021 was initially planned to be made virtual, but also cancelled.{{cite web |title=MAGFest Is Cancelled |url=https://super.magfest.org/blog/magfest-is-cancelled |website=Super Magfest |date=8 September 2020}}
• Gamescom Asia's inaugural event was postponed to 2021.{{cite web|url=https://www.nst.com.my/lifestyle/bots/2020/06/599470/tech-gamescom-asia-postponed-2021-amid-covid-19|title=#TECH: Gamescom asia postponed to 2021 amid Covid-19|last=team|first=BOTS|date=10 June 2020|access-date=10 June 2020}}

• Several vendors withdrew or scaled plans back to present at PAX East in Boston at the end of February 2020, including Sony Interactive Entertainment, Square Enix, Electronic Arts, Capcom, CD Projekt, and PUBG Corporation.{{cite web | url = https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2020/02/no-playstation-for-pax-east-sony-backs-out-citing-coronavirus/ | title = PlayStation cites coronavirus, backs out of multiple major gaming expos | first= Kate | last = Cox | date = 21 February 2020 | access-date = 21 February 2020 | work = Ars Technica }}{{Cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2020/2/21/21147134/final-fantasy-14-cancels-pax-east-square-enix-coronavirus | title = Final Fantasy 14 team cancels PAX plans over coronavirus concerns | first= Michael | last =McWhertor | date= 21 February 2020 | access-date = 21 February 2020 | work = Polygon }}{{cite web | url = https://www.usgamer.net/articles/ea-backs-out-of-gdc-2020-over-coronavirus-will-limit-attendance-to-other-events | title = EA Backs Out of GDC 2020 Over Coronavirus, Says It Will Limit Attendance to Other Events | first = Eric | last = Van Allen | date = 24 February 2020 | access-date = 24 February 2020 | work = USGamer | archive-date = 8 April 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200408220653/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/ea-backs-out-of-gdc-2020-over-coronavirus-will-limit-attendance-to-other-events | url-status = dead }}{{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamer.com/pax-east-loses-cd-projekt-red-and-pubg-corp-amid-coronavirus-fears/ | title = PAX East loses CD Projekt Red and PUBG Corp amid coronavirus fears | first= Shaun | last= Prescott | date = 25 February 2020 | access-date = 25 February 2020 | work = PC Gamer }}
• Several companies pulled out from the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco in March 2020, forcing the organizers to postpone the show to later in the year.{{cite web | url = https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2020/02/gdc-running-out-of-time-to-cancel-as-amazon-blizzard-join-no-show-list/ | title = GDC running out of time to cancel as Amazon, Blizzard join no-show list | first =Kate | last = Cox | date = 28 February 2020 | access-date = 28 February 2020 | work = Ars Technica }}{{cite web | url = https://venturebeat.com/2020/02/28/gdc-postponed-as-multiple-participants-pull-out-over-coronavirus-fears/ | title = GDC 'postponed' as multiple participants pull out over coronavirus fears | first = Jeff | last = Grubb | date = 28 February 2020 | access-date = 28 February 2020 | work = Venture Beat }} However, the event organizers devised a scheme to run the GDC as a virtual conference following a similar schedule across the same set of days by using the streaming services with a subset of the planned events that are presented through the streaming media and was made available online a week later. This included the Game Developers Choice Awards and Independent Games Festival presentations.{{cite web | url = https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/359319/Game_Developers_Conference_2020_announces_virtual_awards_and_talk_schedule.php | title = Game Developers Conference 2020 announces virtual awards and talk schedule | date = 10 March 2020 |access-date =10 March 2020 | work = Gamasutra }}
• Gamescom 2020 was held online.{{cite web | url = https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2020-04-15-gamescom-hit-by-german-ban-on-events | title = Gamescom hit by German ban on events | first = Brendan | last= Sinclair | date = 15 April 2020 | access-date = 15 April 2020 | work = GamesIndustry.biz }}{{cite web | url = https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2020-05-18-gamescom-2020-interview | title = Gamescom: "We can seize the opportunity to prove how digital events can work" | first= Matthew | last= Handrahan | date = 18 May 2020 | access-date = 18 May 2020 | work = GamesIndustry.biz }}
• Tokyo Game Show that was scheduled to run 24–27 September 2020, was cancelled, though online events were held in its place.{{cite web | url = https://kotaku.com/the-2020-tokyo-game-show-has-been-cancelled-1843329846 | title = The 2020 Tokyo Game Show Has Been Cancelled | first= Luke | last = Plunkett | date = 7 May 2020 | access-date = 7 May 2020 | work = Kotaku }}
• EGX 2020, planned for 17–20 September 2020, was cancelled, though online events were held 12–20 September 2020.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/gaming-news/egx-2020-has-been-cancelled-digital-event-to-take-its-place-2698630|title=EGX 2020 has been cancelled, digital event to take its place|last=Hollis|first=Daniel|website=NME|date=30 June 2020|access-date=4 July 2020}}
• MAGWest 2020 and 2021 were both held virtually.{{Cite tweet |number=1307034020669272069 |user=magwestofficial |title=That's right! MAGWest 2020 will be bringing Dac and Gwobs together at last in one weekend extravaganza! Check out more details at https://magwest.org/news/2020/9/18/announcing-magwests-hosts #magfest #magwest |url=https://twitter.com/magwestofficial/status/1307034020669272069}}
• TennoCon 2020 and 2021 were conducted virtually.{{cite web |title=Watch the Warframe TennoCon 2020 digital livestream here |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/119541/watch-the-warframe-tennocon-2020-digital-livestream-here |website=Shacknews |language=en |date=1 August 2020}}
• 2020 Gaming Community Expo scheduled for Orlando, Florida, in June was cancelled. The event moved online as a charity marathon.

Most esports events are based on online games, but are typically played in local arenas to reduce network latency between players as well as to provide an audience. The pandemic caused many of these events to either become cancelled or switch to a fully online format for 2020:

• ESL Pro League Season 11, a Counter-Strike: Global Offensive tournament was originally going to be an offline event with the finals taking place at Denver, Colorado, United States. However, due to the pandemic, ESL announced that both the regular season and the finals would be split into two regions: Europe and North America. The regular season and the finals were played entirely online.{{Cite web | url = https://pro.eslgaming.com/csgo/proleague/uncategorized/2020/03/season-11-to-be-played-online-finals-moved-from-denver-to-studio-location/ | title = Season 11 to be played online, finals moved from Denver to studio location | publisher = ESL Pro League | access-date=28 March 2020 | date=11 March 2020}}
• The competitions for non-rhythm games of the ninth season of Konami Arcade Championships (KAC), which were to be held from 22 and 24 February at e-sports GINZA Studio, were postponed indefinitely. This did not affect the competitions within Konami's Bemani rhythm games, as they were held earlier that month at the Japan Amusement Expo.{{cite web |title=The 9th KONAMI Arcade Championship決勝ラウンド 決勝大会の延期について |url=https://p.eagate.573.jp/game/kac/kac9th/news/info0217.html |publisher=Konami |access-date=6 May 2020 |language=ja |date=18 February 2020}} On 16 December, Konami announced that the tenth season in 2021 would restrict participation to Japanese players only instead of worldwide as it has been traditionally done since 2012 (which include South Korea, Asia and United States), as a result of the travel restrictions set by the Japanese government; in addition, the finals that were to be held on 6 and 7 March 2021, would be in the GINZA Studio, behind closed doors.{{cite web |title=The 10th KONAMI ARCADE CHAMPIONSHIP (KAC) |url=https://p.eagate.573.jp/game/kac/kac10th/pre/index.html |access-date=16 December 2020}} On 7 January 2021, Konami extended the qualifying period for the 10th tournament indefinitely while the finals were postponed.{{Cite web|url=https://p.eagate.573.jp/game/kac/kac10th/|title=The 10th KONAMI Arcade Championship(KAC)|website=The 10th KONAMI Arcade Championship(KAC)}} On 8 February 2021, Konami announced the 9th tournament would be cancelled. On 22 March 2021, a day after the state of emergency was lifted,{{Cite web|url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/japan-to-lift-covid-19-state-of-emergency-in-tokyo-area-14428848|title=Japan to lift COVID-19 state of emergency in Tokyo area|access-date=26 March 2021|archive-date=20 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210320122352/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/japan-to-lift-covid-19-state-of-emergency-in-tokyo-area-14428848|url-status=dead}} the qualifier rounds were announced to end on 20 April.{{cite web |title=The 10th KONAMI Arcade Championship エントリー・予選ラウンドの期間について |url=https://p.eagate.573.jp/game/kac/kac10th/news/210107.html |access-date=26 March 2021}}
• 闘神祭2020 (Tōshinsai), a cross-arcade game tournament held in Japan that is co-organised by NTT-esports and Taito, was cancelled.{{cite web |title=『闘神祭2020～World Championship of ARCADE～』 開催中止のお知らせ |url=https://www.taito.co.jp/mob/topics/4381 |publisher=Toushinsai |access-date=9 June 2020 |language=ja |date=9 June 2020}} The finals initially scheduled from 16–17 May were postponed to 8–9 August.{{cite web |title=闘神祭2020 開催概要 |url=https://www.toushinsai.com/about/ |publisher=Toushinsai |access-date=9 May 2020 |language=ja |date=18 February 2020 |archive-date=1 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200401231936/https://www.toushinsai.com/about/ |url-status=dead }}
• The Overwatch League, in its 2020 season and third overall, planned to implement a home/away approach to regular season play similar to professional sports, with teams travelling across the globe to various homestand events for matches. With the pandemic, numerous changes to the league's plans had to be implemented, which included switching to online matches, reworking the teams' distributions in divisions as some teams were forced to suspend operations, cancelling certain mid-season events, and otherwise reducing the planned schedule of play.{{cite web|title=Overwatch League postpones first weekend of online matches|url=https://www.espn.com/esports/story/_/id/28928919/overwatch-league-postpones-first-weekend-online-matches|date=20 March 2020|website=ESPN.com|language=en|access-date=23 March 2020}}{{cite web|title=How coronavirus is affecting esports and gaming events|url=https://www.espn.com/esports/story/_/id/28852881/how-coronavirus-affecting-esports-gaming-events|date=13 March 2020|website=ESPN.com|language=en|access-date=22 March 2020}}{{cite web|title=Overwatch League teams face a reset after pandemic spoils its grand plans|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/video-games/esports/2020/03/27/overwatch-league-schedule-coronavirus-online/|date=27 March 2020|website=Launcher (Washington Post)|access-date=27 March 2020}}{{cite web|title=Multiple Overwatch League matches canceled on March 28 and 29|url=https://dotesports.com/overwatch/news/multiple-overwatch-league-matches-canceled-on-march-28-and-29|date=27 March 2020|website=Dot eSports|access-date=28 March 2020}} During the 2021 season, there were limited homestands by the Chinese teams and Dallas Fuel.{{cite news|last1=Stern|first1=Adam|date=June 14, 2021|title=Dallas Fuel Homestand at Esports Stadium Arlington in July Will Have Audience|work=The Esports Observer|url=https://esportsobserver.com/dallas-fuel-esa-homestand/|access-date=June 22, 2021}}{{cite news|last1=Webster|first1=Andrew|date=April 14, 2021|title=The Overwatch League is bringing back some live matches with a trio of events in China|work=The Verge|url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/4/14/22380705/overwatch-league-2021-season-live-events-china|access-date=April 14, 2021}} To reduce latency during interregional tournaments, teams from the West division (North America and Europe) travelled to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, as they could connect to a Tokyo-based game server via an undersea communications cable link.{{cite news|last1=Bumbaca|first1=Chris|date=April 14, 2021|title=Aloha! How esports Overwatch League discovered Hawaii was key to 2021 in-season tournaments|work=USA Today|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/gaming/2021/04/14/esports-overwatch-league-hawaii-tournament-schedule/7204014002/|access-date=April 14, 2021}} The playoffs and finals were originally scheduled to be held as live events in Los Angeles and Arlington respectively, but it was cancelled and replaced with the same remote format as earlier due to COVID-19 and Delta variant concerns.{{cite news|last1=Collins|first1=Sean|date=August 25, 2021|title=Overwatch League playoffs no longer in North Texas, moving back to online|work=The Dallas Morning News|url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/dallas-fuel/2021/08/25/overwatch-league-playoffs-no-longer-in-north-texas-moving-back-to-online/|access-date=August 25, 2021}}{{cite news|last1=Richardson|first1=Liz|date=August 25, 2021|title=Overwatch League cancels live postseason events due to COVID-19 delta variant concerns|work=Dot Esports|url=https://dotesports.com/overwatch/news/overwatch-league-cancels-live-postseason-events-due-to-covid-19-delta-variant-concerns|access-date=August 25, 2021}}
• The League of Legends Rift Rivals and Mid-Season Invitational tournaments were cancelled, with the latter being replaced with the 2020 Mid-Season Streamathon,{{cite web |last1=Matthiesen |first1=Tom |title=League of Legends: Riot Games postpones Mid-Season Invitational to July, cancels all Rift Rivals events due to Coronavirus |url=https://www.invenglobal.com/articles/10623/riot-games-postpones-mid-season-invitational-to-july-cancels-all-rift-rivals-events-due-to-coronavirus |website=InvenGlobal |access-date=22 September 2020 |language=en |date=10 March 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Stavropoulos |first1=Andreas |title=Riot officially cancels 2020 Mid-Season Invitational |url=https://dotesports.com/league-of-legends/news/riot-officially-cancels-2020-mid-season-invitational |access-date=22 September 2020 |work=Dot Esports |date=23 April 2020}} while 2020 World Championship would be played exclusively in Shanghai using the "isolation bubble" environment.{{Cite web|last1=Rand|first1=Emily|last2=Wolf|first2=Jacob|date=1 September 2020|title=Sources: Vietnamese teams won't attend League of Legends World Championship|url=https://www.espn.com/esports/story/_/id/29782698/sources-vietnamese-teams-attend-league-legends-world-championship|access-date=22 September 2020|publisher=ESPN|language=en}} In addition, majority of regional leagues, including League of Legends Championship Series and the League of Legends European Championship were either played in arenas without audience or switched to online formats.{{cite web |last1=Seok |first1=Joonkyu |last2=Lunardi |first2=Lara |title=League of Legends: 2020 LCK Spring Split will begin without audiences at LoL Park due to risk of Coronavirus |url=https://www.invenglobal.com/articles/10268/2020-lck-spring-split-will-begin-without-audiences-at-lol-park-due-to-risk-of-coronavirus |website=InvenGlobal |access-date=22 September 2020 |language=en |date=29 January 2020}}{{cite web |last1=Rand |first1=Emily |title=LCS and LEC to return this weekend in online format |url=https://www.espn.com/esports/story/_/id/28916996/lcs-lec-return-weekend-online-format |website=ESPN.com |access-date=22 September 2020 |language=en |date=17 March 2020}} Due to national travel restrictions, esports teams of Vietnam Championship Series could not participate in the 2020 World Championship{{Cite web|title=Worlds 2020 Update: Format Changes|url=https://lolesports.com/article/worlds-2020-update-format-changes/blt844a57584da327bf|access-date=24 April 2021|website=lolesports.com}} and 2021 Mid-Season Invitational.{{Cite web|title=MSI 2021: Teams Update|url=https://lolesports.com/article/msi-2021-teams-update/blt328f8f08bea703f8|access-date=24 April 2021|website=lolesports.com}}
• NACE was forced to suspend play until April 13, 2020, on March 16, 2020.{{Cite web|last=eSports|first=NAC|date=2020-03-16|title=NACE Competition Update|url=https://nacesports.org/nace-competition-update/|access-date=2022-01-21|website=NAC Esports|language=en-US}}
• The 2020 Pokémon World Championships was cancelled by The Pokémon Company including its North American (scheduled for 26–28 June) and global (scheduled for 14–16 August) events.{{cite news |title=Pokemon Cancels World Championships, Other Major Events Due to Coronavirus |url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/2020/03/31/pokemon-world-championships-cancelled/ |access-date=31 March 2020 |work=Comicbook.com |date=31 March 2020 |language=en}}
• The 2020 Nürburgring World Tour, a live event of the 2020 FIA-Certified Gran Turismo Championships season, was cancelled after the 2020 Nürburgring 24 Hours was postponed by the organizers to September.{{cite web |url=https://www.touringcartimes.com/2020/03/17/nurburgring-24-hours-race-weekend-postponed-september/ |title=Nürburgring 24 Hours race weekend postponed to September |date=17 March 2020 |work=TouringCarTimes |access-date=17 March 2020}} As the online season had begun on 17 March, the decision was made to change the stage that was planned to end on 18 April an "exhibition stage", and to restart the season on 25 April.{{cite web|url=https://www.gtplanet.net/gt-sport-world-tour-nurburgring-cancelled-fia-season-postponed-to-april/|title=GT Sport World Tour Nurburgring Cancelled, FIA Season Postponed to April|first=Andrew|last=Evans|publisher=GTPlanet|date=19 March 2020|access-date=5 May 2020}} A teaser trailer for the restarted season indicated that no further live events would be held, having held only one live event in Sydney, Australia.{{cite web|url=https://www.gtplanet.net/no-live-events-planned-for-2020-fia-gran-turismo-championship/|title=No Live Events Planned for 2020 FIA Gran Turismo Championship|first=Andrew|last=Evans|publisher=GTPlanet|date=24 April 2020|access-date=5 May 2020}} Consequently, the regional and world finals for the series were held as online-based events.{{cite web |title=Gran Turismo FIA Championship 2020 World Final Takes Place December 5/6 |url=https://www.gtplanet.net/gt-sport-2020-final-december-20201105/ |website=GTPlanet |date=5 November 2020 |access-date=18 November 2020}}
• The live Rocket League World Championship for its 9th season, planned for 24 April 2020 in Dallas, was indefinitely postponed.{{cite web | url = https://www.destructoid.com/rocket-league-cancels-its-world-championship-because-of-covid-19-concerns-582519.phtml | title = Rocket League cancels its World Championship because of COVID-19 concerns | first = Brett | last = Makedonski | date = 5 March 2020 | access-date = 5 March 2020 | work = Destructoid | archive-date = 8 April 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200408220647/https://www.destructoid.com/rocket-league-cancels-its-world-championship-because-of-covid-19-concerns-582519.phtml | url-status = dead }}
• The 2020 Fortnite World Cup was cancelled.{{Cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2020/4/30/21243190/fortnite-world-cup-2020-canceled | title = There won't be a Fortnite World Cup in 2020 | first= Andrew | last= Webster | date = 30 April 2020 | access-date = 30 April 2020 | work = The Verge }}
• The International 2020 tournament for Dota 2, set to be held in Stockholm in August 2020, was postponed indefinitely before being pushed back a year and rebranded as The International 2021.{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2020/4/30/21175145/the-international-2020-valve-dota-2-coronavirus-delay | title = Valve indefinitely delays Dota 2's The International 2020 | first1 = Andrew | last1= Webster | first2 = Nick | last2 = Statt | date = 30 April 2020 | access-date = 30 April 2020 | work = The Verge }}{{cite web |last1=Haske |first1=Steve |title=Valve moves Dota 2 International to Romania, adds mask-and-vax rules |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2021/09/dota-2s-international-requires-masks-and-vaccinations-after-summer-covid-trouble/ |website=Ars Technica |date=17 September 2021 |access-date=2 October 2021}} That event was to be held with in-person spectators in Bucharest, Romania, in October 2021, but due to new COVID-19 restrictions in the city, it was announced that the event would instead be played behind closed doors at the stadium with only essential personnel present.{{cite web |last1=Michael |first1=Cale |title=Valve has canceled in-person audience for The International 10 |url=https://dotesports.com/dota-2/news/valve-has-canceled-in-person-audience-for-the-international-10 |website=Dot Esports |date=3 October 2021 |access-date=3 October 2021}}
• Evo 2020, set to be held in Las Vegas near the end of July, was cancelled. Online events were scheduled before the entire tournament was cancelled due to sexual abuse allegations against its co-founder.{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2020/5/1/21244569/evo-2020-canceled-online-coronavirus-las-vegas | title= Evo 2020 canceled due to coronavirus pandemic, online event coming | first= Nicole | last = Carpenter | date = 1 May 2020 | access-date = 1 May 2020 | work = Polygon }}{{cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/evo-online-2020-announced-and-smash-bros-has-been-/1100-6477264/ | title = EVO Online 2020 Announced, And Smash Bros. Has Been Cut | first = James | last = O'Conner | date = 13 May 2020 | access-date = 13 May 2020 | work = GameSpot }}{{cite web | url = https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2020/07/major-games-players-depart-evo-tourney-citing-allegations-against-founder/ | title = EVO 2020 game tourney canceled, co-founder fired [Updated] | first = Sam | last = Machkovech | date = 2 July 2020 | access-date = 2 July 2020 | work = Ars Technica }} Evo Online was held in 2021, with its announcement concurrent with the acquisition of Evo by Sony Interactive Entertainment and Endeavor.{{Cite web|last=Machkovech|first=Sam|date=2021-03-18|title=Sony acquires world's largest fighting-game tourney series|url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2021/03/sony-acquires-worlds-largest-fighting-game-tourney-series/|access-date=2021-03-18|website=Ars Technica|language=en-us}}{{Cite web|last=Good|first=Owen S.|date=2021-03-18|title=Sony acquires Evo fighting games championship series|url=https://www.polygon.com/22338772/sony-buys-evo-evo-online-2021-rts-endeavor-deal-tony-tom-cannon|access-date=2021-03-18|website=Polygon|language=en}} It was later announced that the top players at Evo Online would compete at an in-person "Evo Showcase" event at UFC Apex in Las Vegas (owned by Endeavor subsidiary Ultimate Fighting Championship) in November.{{Cite web|last=Michael|first=Cale|date=2021-07-13|title=Evo 2021 Showcase will bring top Evo 2021 Online finishers to compete live in Las Vegas|url=https://dotesports.com/fgc/news/evo-2021-showcase-will-bring-top-evo-2021-online-finishers-to-compete-live-in-las-vegas|access-date=2021-10-22|website=Dot Esports|language=en-US}} However on 29 September 2021, Evo announced that Evo Showcase had been cancelled due to COVID-19-related concerns (including Delta variant).{{Cite magazine|last=Carson|first=John|title=In-Person Evo Fighting Game Showcase Cancelled|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2021/09/29/in-person-evo-fighting-game-showcase-cancelled|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929223845/https://www.gameinformer.com/2021/09/29/in-person-evo-fighting-game-showcase-cancelled|url-status=live|archive-date=29 September 2021|access-date=2021-10-22|magazine=Game Informer|language=en}}
• Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Southeast Asia Cup (MSC) 2020, set to be held in Philippines on 12–14 June 2020, was cancelled.{{cite web|url=https://www.oneesports.gg/id/moba/mobile-legends/msc-2020-resmi-dibatalkan/|title=MSC 2020 RESMI DIBATALKAN|last=Pratama|first=Redzi Arya|language=id|date=11 May 2020|access-date=11 May 2020}}
• Arena of Valor World Cup 2020, set to be held in Vietnam, was cancelled.{{cite web|url=https://dotesports.com/mobile/news/arena-of-valor-world-cup-2020-canceled-due-to-covid-19|title=Arena of Valor World Cup 2020 canceled due to COVID-19|last=Ahmed|first=Wasif|date=30 April 2020|access-date=7 June 2020}}
• Free Fire Champions Cup 2020, set to be held in Indonesia in April 2020;{{cite web|url=https://dotesports.com/mobile/news/free-fire-champions-cup-2020-officially-canceled-by-garena|title=Free Fire Champions Cup 2020 officially canceled by Garena|last=Negreira|first=Camila|date=30 April 2020|access-date=7 June 2020}} and Free Fire Worlds Series 2021, set to be held in Mexico, were cancelled.{{cite web|url=https://dotesports.com/mobile/news/free-fire-world-series-2021-mexico-canceled-due-to-covid-19-concerns|title=Free Fire World Series 2021 in November canceled due to COVID-19 concerns|last=Ahmed|first=Wasif|date=25 August 2021|access-date=27 August 2021}}
• The Asia-Pacific Predator League 2020 was postponed to Spring 2021. All of the qualifying teams during the event were to participate in the finale in 2021.{{Cite web|url=https://www.predator-league.com/|title=2020 PREDATOR LEAGUE|access-date=9 June 2020}}
• The Teppen World Championship 2020 was held entirely online.{{cite web|url=https://esports.teppenthegame.com/en/championship/2020/|title=Teppen World Championship 2020 | Teppen -Official Site-|publisher=teppenthegame.com|access-date=5 January 2021}} Offline tournaments meant to qualify players to the finals were cancelled due to the pandemic.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jwNwwotg5M|title=TEPPEN HEADLINE #3|date=25 June 2020 |publisher=PlayTEPPEN ASIA|access-date=5 January 2021}}

While many traditional physical sports games, seasons, and playoffs were cancelled due to the pandemic, the organizing leagues turned to video game equivalents as alternative entertainment, using the professional athletes from their leagues within the games. Some examples of this included:

• NASCAR launched its eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series on 22 March 2020, featuring NASCAR drivers competing using the iRacing game. The IndyCar Series launched its own IndyCar iRacing Challenge series as well.{{cite web|title=What drivers said after IndyCar's iRacing opener at Watkins Glen|url=https://motorsports.nbcsports.com/2020/03/28/indycar-iracing-challenge-drivers-first-virtual-race-at-watkins-glen/|last=Eubanks|first=Michael|date=28 March 2020|publisher=NBC Sports|access-date=29 March 2020}}{{cite web | url = https://fortune.com/2020/04/09/coronavirus-esports-surge-nascar-nba-indycar/ | title = From NBA2K to eNASCAR, are e-sports the new, well, sports? | first = Chris | last = Morris | date = 9 April 2020 | access-date = 9 April 2020 | work = Fortune }}
• Major League Baseball partnered with Sony to create a short league for 30 professional players playing MLB: The Show.{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2020/4/10/21216276/mlb-the-show-20-league-livestream-twitch-major-league-baseball-mlbpa-mlb-the-show-ps4 | title = Major League Baseball starts a new league, this time in MLB The Show | first = Owen | last =Good | date = 10 April 2020 | access-date = 10 April 2020 | work = Polygon }}
• The 2021 Pro Bowl for the National Football League, to have taken place in January 2021, was cancelled due to COVID-19, with the NFL opting to use a virtual game in Madden NFL 21 to celebrate the players selected by fans.{{cite web |url = https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30337769/pro-bowl-goes-virtual-innovative-game-play-madden-nfl-21-season | title = Pro Bowl goes virtual, as innovative game will play out on Madden NFL 21 this season | date = 17 November 2020 | access-date = 17 November 2020 | work = ESPN }}

Television networks which normally would have shown the sporting events that were cancelled have turned to both these replacement sports programs as well as other esport tournaments as replacement programming during the pandemic. On 14 June 2020, the BBC reported that about 22 million sports viewers turned to virtual races when lockdowns were implemented. Questions over the future of esports rose with Formula 1 returning in July 2020.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/52966320|title=F1 and other esports: decoding the impact of virtual races during lockdown|work=BBC Sport|access-date=14 June 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.f1s-racing-restart-how-will-events-differ-and-14-other-key-questions.7GIB7qCthac0DsXK4ADVdj.html|title=F1's racing restart – How will events differ and 14 other key questions answered|access-date=2 June 2020|website=Formula 1}}

• Nintendo Switch production in Vietnam had been scaled back due to reduced supply of components out of China because of the quarantines. As a result, supplies for the Switch were significantly reduced in Japan.{{cite news | url = https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-02-17/nintendo-is-likely-to-suffer-global-switch-shortages-from-virus | title = Nintendo Is Likely to Suffer Global Switch Shortages From Virus | first= Takashi | last = Mochizuki | date = 17 February 2020 | access-date = 21 February 2020 | work = Bloomberg LP }} In its annual report issued in May 2020, Nintendo believed that production would resume normal levels within a few months.{{cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-switch-production-impact-should-be-over-b/1100-6477028/ | title = Nintendo Switch Production Impact Should Be Over By Summer, Nintendo Says | first = Olivia | last= Harris | date = 7 May 2020 | access-date = 7 May 2020 | work = GameSpot }} Further, Nintendo of America closed its repair center as a preventative measure. The company's headquarters in Redmond, Washington, and the flagship store in New York City were also closed.{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2020/3/25/21193798/nintendo-switch-repair-centers-closed-coronavirus-us-uk |title=Take care of your Nintendo switch — Nintendo's repair shops are closed due to COVID-19 |last=Good |first=Owen S. |work=Polygon |publisher=Vox Media |date=25 March 2020 |access-date=26 March 2020 }}
• Valve announced that its production on the Valve Index virtual reality headset was reduced due to the impact of the pandemic and would have fewer shipments expected than planned by the release of Half-Life: Alyx.{{cite web | url = https://www.vg247.com/2020/02/21/coronavirus-has-affected-the-production-schedule-for-valve-index-fewer-units-to-be-made-available/ | title = Coronavirus has affected the production schedule for Valve Index, fewer units to be made available | first = Stephany | last = Nunneley | date = 21 February 2020 | access-date = 21 February 2020 | work = VG247 }}
• Konami delayed release of the TurboGrafx-16 Mini in March due to production chain issues in China due to the pandemic.{{cite web | url = https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2020-03-06-konami-delays-pc-engine-core-grafx-mini-over-coronavirus | title = Konami delays PC Engine Core Grafx mini over coronavirus | first = Wesley | last =Yin-Poole | date = 6 March 2020 | access-date = 6 March 2020 | work = Eurogamer }}
• Atari delayed the Atari VCS that was initially supposed to release in March 2020 because of the pandemic.{{Cite web|url=https://us.blastingnews.com/gaming/2020/02/atari-vcs-console-delayed-yet-again-due-to-coronavirus-outbreak-003063581.html|title=Atari VCS console delayed, report blames Coronavirus outbreak|date=5 February 2020|website=Blasting News|language=en|access-date=15 March 2020}}
• Microsoft did not anticipate any delay in the planned release of the Xbox Series X console, according to Phil Spencer {{As of|2020|April|lc=y}}. He stated that some games expected near launch may be delayed as a result.{{cite web | url = https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/30/xbox-series-x-on-schedule-xbox-games-could-be-delayed-by-coronavirus.html | title = New Xbox on schedule but game production may be slowed by coronavirus, Microsoft exec says | first = Annie | last = Pei | date = 30 April 2020 | access-date = 8 May 2020 | work = CNBC }}
• The Evercade handheld console, originally due to release on May 22, 2020, released sometime between May 22, and June 5, 2020.{{cite web |url=https://www.siliconera.com/evercade-debut-delayed-by-covid-19/|title=Evercade Debut Delayed by COVID-19|last=Lada|first=Jenni|publisher=Siliconera|date=27 April 2020|access-date=28 April 2020}}
• Nvidia's GeForce 30 series of graphics cards immediately sold out upon their release, due largely to a rise in consumer demand for computer hardware during the pandemic, as well as a lack in proper security against scalpers.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/story/nvidia-amd-demand-pandemic-lines/|title=Desperate Gamers Camp Out in the Pandemic for $700 GPUs|first=Cecilia|last=D'Anastasio|magazine=Wired}}

Generally, sales of video games have increased as a result of stay-at-home and lockdown orders from the pandemic, as people turned to video games as a pastime. The NPD Group reported that video game sales in North America in March 2020 were up 34% from those in March 2019, and video game hardware up by 63% – which included more than twice the number of units of the Nintendo Switch console. Net spending across the first quarter of 2020 in the United States reached {{USD|10.9 billion}}, up 9% in 2020 compared to 2019 according to NPD. An increase at this point, near the planned end of the eighth generation of video game consoles, was unusual and was attributed to the pandemic.{{cite web | url = https://venturebeat.com/2020/04/21/march-2020-npd-animal-crossing-powers-march-to-blockbuster-game-sales/ | title= March 2020 NPD: Animal Crossing powers March to blockbuster game sales | first= Jeff | last = Grubb | date = 21 April 2020 | access-date = 22 April 2020 | work = Venture Beat }}{{cite news | url = https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-05-15/video-games-hit-quarterly-sales-record-amid-virus-driven-surge | title = Video Games Set a Record for Quarterly Sales | first = John J. | last = Edwards III | date = 15 May 2020 | access-date = 15 May 2020 | work = Bloomberg News }} By July 2020, NPD Group reported that the total sales of video game hardware and software within the United States in the first six months of 2020 reached {{USD|6.6 billion}}, the highest since 2010.{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2020/7/17/21328298/us-video-game-spending-high-npd-group-amount | title = US video game spending hit a 10-year high in June

| first= Chaim | last = Gartenberg | date = 17 July 2020 | access-date = 17 July 2020 | work = The Verge }}

Some specific examples of game software and hardware sales affected by the pandemic include:

• The 2012 game Plague Inc. by Ndemic Creations had a significant increase in sales as a result of the pandemic. The game temporarily became the top-paid app on several regional app stores, beating out the perennial bestseller Minecraft. According to some researchers and game developers, such as cultural historian Carly A. Kocurek, some people worried about the pandemic may have played the game as a means to placate their anxiety.{{cite news | url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2020/02/16/virus-games-are-going-viral-coronavirus-spreads/ | title = Virus games are going viral as the coronavirus spreads | first1 = Rick | last1 = Noack | first2 = Stefano | last2 = Pitrelli | date = 16 February 2020 | access-date = 21 February 2020 | newspaper = The Washington Post }} While the game was based on scientific models of the spread of contagious diseases, Ndemic had to remind the players that the game was not meant to be taken as an accurate model for transmission and spread and referred those interested to the Centers for Disease Control and other national and international health organization websites.{{cite web | url = https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-51222796 | title = Killer plague game tops charts amid coronavirus | date = 23 January 2020 | access-date = 25 January 2020 | work = BBC }}{{cite web | url = https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/26/tech/plague-coronavirus-game-warning/index.html | title = Video game company urges players to avoid Plague Inc. game for information on coronavirus | first =Clare | last =Duffy | date = 26 January 2020 | access-date = 28 January 2020 | work = CNN }} Ndemic later added a new gameplay mode to Plague Inc, with the goal to try to stop an ongoing pandemic through various possible options by using the work that it developed in coordination with WHO and the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network.{{cite web | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/08/arts/plague-inc-video-game-gaming-coronavirus-covid-pandemic.html | title = When a Gaming Fantasy Is Eerily Close to Reality | first = Stephan | last = Tolito | date = 8 April 2020 | access-date = 16 April 2020 | work = The New York Times }} The company also donated {{USD|250,000}} to the Coalition of Epidemic Preparedness Innovations and the WHO COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund to help fight the pandemic and encouraged the players of the game to do the same.{{cite web | url = https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2020/03/plague-inc-rolling-out-new-mode-where-you-fight-to-contain-the-outbreak/ | title = Plague Inc. rolling out new mode where you fight to contain the outbreak | first= Kyle | last = Orland | date= 25 March 2020 | access-date = 25 March 2020 | work = Ars Technica }}
• The 2018 digital adaption of Pandemic by Asmodee experienced an increase in sales.
• Both Doom Eternal and Animal Crossing: New Horizons, major AAA titles released in March 2020, outperformed industry expectations, with Animal Crossing selling more in its opening week in the United Kingdom than all of the previous launches in the franchise combined for the same region.{{cite web |last1=Huang |first1=Eustance |title=Sales of video games soar as the coronavirus leaves millions trapped in their homes |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/03/video-games-sales-soar-as-coronavirus-leaves-millions-trapped-at-home.html |website=CNBC |access-date=4 April 2020 |language=en |date=3 April 2020}}
• Ring Fit Adventure, which involves physical activity, was in high demand in China as a result of the quarantine. Sales led to shortages and price gouging in East Asia and nearby regions.{{cite web | url = https://www.usgamer.net/articles/coronavirus-outbreak-has-led-to-a-demand-surge-and-shortages-of-ring-fit-adventure | title = Coronavirus Outbreak Has Led to a Demand Surge and Shortages of Ring Fit Adventure | first = Matthew | last = Olsen | date = 21 February 2020 | access-date = 21 February 2020 | work = USGamer | archive-date = 8 April 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200408220732/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/coronavirus-outbreak-has-led-to-a-demand-surge-and-shortages-of-ring-fit-adventure | url-status = dead }} Similar shortages for the game expanded as quarantines and stay-at-home orders came to many Western locations during March 2020.{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2020/3/13/21177214/ring-fit-adventure-sold-out-stock-coronavirus-nintendo-switch | title = Ring Fit Adventure is sold out everywhere, Nintendo confirms | first = Samit | last = Sarkar | date = 13 March 2020 | access-date = 25 March 2020 | work = Polygon }}
• Coupled with lowered hardware production, the Nintendo Switch became a high-selling commodity during the pandemic, as it provided entertainment options across all ages, especially with Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Nintendo worked to supply as many units as possible globally to most markets, which led to some resellers using bots to scalp.{{cite web | url = https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/bvgqp3/nintendo-switch-check-out-bots-shortage | title = Resellers Using Checkout Bots Are Driving the Nintendo Switch Shortage | first = Joseph | last= Cox |date = 17 April 2020 | access-date = 18 April 2020 | work = Vice }} The Switch's high sales helped to offset low sales of other console hardware within the United States and buoy higher revenues for the sector.
• Among Us rose in popularity through Twitch after streamer Sodapoppin popularised it through the platform in late July 2020.{{cite web | url = https://www.kotaku.com.au/2020/09/among-us-improbable-rise-to-the-top-of-twitch/ | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200909025025/https://www.kotaku.com.au/2020/09/among-us-improbable-rise-to-the-top-of-twitch/ | url-status = dead | archive-date = 9 September 2020 | title = Among Us' Improbable Rise To The Top Of Twitch | first = Nathan | last= Grason |date = 9 September 2020 | access-date = 3 August 2021 | work = Kotaku }}{{cite web |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/blogs/SimonCarless/20200910/369968/Behind_the_dizzying_ride_to_the_top_for_Among_Us.php | title = Behind the dizzying ride to the top for Among Us | first = Simon | last= Carless |date = 10 September 2020 | access-date = 3 August 2021 | work = Gamasutra }}
• Minecraft Dungeons topped Animal Crossing on the North America eShop when they released their new DLC packs: Jungle Awakens and Creeping Winter. They also announced cross-platform features.{{cite web |url = https://www.vg247.com/2020/06/07/animal-crossing-eshop-minecraft-dungeons/ | title = Animal Crossing is no longer the best-selling game on the Nintendo eShop | first = Cian | last= Maher |date = 7 June 2020 | access-date = 3 August 2021 | work = VG247 }}

• An estimated one-third of developers surveyed in 2020 by the GDC stated that COVID-19 caused a delay of the games they were working on, a combination of the pandemic and the remote working conditions.{{cite web | url = https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/366462/GDC_State_of_the_Industry_WFH_Edition_survey_reveals_COVID19s_impact_on_devs.php | title = GDC State of the Industry: WFH Edition survey reveals COVID-19's impact on devs | date = 16 July 2020 | access-date = 16 July 2020 | work = Gamasutra }} By 2021, this had increased to 44% by 2021 in a subsequent GDC survey.{{cite web | url = https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/380511/GDC_State_of_the_Industry_Devs_irked_by_30_percent_storefront_revenue_cuts.php | title = GDC State of the Industry: Devs irked by 30 percent storefront revenue cuts | date = 28 April 2021 | accessdate = 29 April 2021 | work = Gamasutra }} Some games that were delayed included:
• The Outer Worlds for Nintendo Switch from March 6 to June 5, 2020{{cite web |url=https://ign.com/articles/the-outer-worlds-will-release-on-switch-this-june |title=The Outer Worlds Will Release On Switch This June |last=Purslow |first=Matt |work=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis |date=31 March 2020 |access-date=1 April 2020 }}
• Someday You'll Return from April 14 to May 5, 2020{{cite web |url=https://news.softpedia.com/news/someday-you-ll-return-gets-delayed-due-to-coronavirus-529639.shtml |title=Someday You'll Return Gets Delayed Due to Coronavirus |last=Vasile |first=Cosmin |website=Softpedia |date=2 April 2020 |access-date=7 April 2020 }}
• Hellpoint from April 16 to July 30, 2020{{cite web|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/the-launch-of-horror-game-hellpoint-has-been-delayed-due-to-the-coronavirus/|title=The launch of horror game Hellpoint has been delayed due to the coronavirus|last=Chalk|first=Andy|website=PC Gamer|date=9 April 2020|access-date=10 April 2020}}{{cite web |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/07/hellpoint-launches-july-30|title= Hellpoint launches July 30 |website=Gematsu |date=2 July 2020 |access-date=3 July 2020}}
• Yumeutsutsu Re:Master and Yumeutsutsu Re:After for PlayStation Vita from April 23 to July 23, 2020.{{Cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/yumeutsutsu-vita-games-make-their-english-debut/|title=Yumeutsutsu Vita Games Make Their English Debut|first=Jenni|last=Lada|date=24 July 2020|access-date=10 December 2021}} The PlayStation 4 versions were never delayed{{Cite web|url=https://store.playstation.com/en-us/product/UP1056-CUSA18762_00-YURIMASTER000000|title=Yumeutsutsu Re:Master|date=23 April 2020|access-date=10 December 2021}}{{Cite web|url=https://store.playstation.com/en-us/product/UP1056-CUSA18836_00-YURIAFTER0000000|title=Yumeutsutsu Re:After|date=23 April 2020|access-date=10 December 2021}} despite confirmation of such.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/04/yumeutsutsu-remaster-and-reafter-launch-april-23-in-the-west-for-switch-and-pc-later-for-ps4-and-ps-vita|title=Yumeutsutsu Re:Master and Re:After launch April 23 in the west for Switch and PC, later for PS4 and PS Vita|first=Sal|last=Romano|date=10 April 2020}}
• Minecraft Dungeons from April to May 26, 2020{{Cite news|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2020/04/01/minecraft-dungeons-is-coming-out-a-little-later-than-planned-due-to-the-pandemic/|title=Minecraft Dungeons is coming out a little later than planned due to the pandemic|last=Beckhelling|first=Imogen|date=1 April 2020|work=Rock Paper Shotgun|publisher=Gamer Network|access-date=29 May 2020}}
• Trackmania from May 5 to July 1, 2020{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/04/trackmania-delayed-to-july-1-gameplay-trailer|title=Trackmania delayed to July 1, gameplay trailer|last=Romano|first=Sal|date=21 April 2020|access-date=21 April 2020}}
• Marvel's Iron Man VR from May 15 to July 3, 2020{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2020/4/2/21205818/the-last-of-us-part-2-delayed-iron-man-vr-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic |title=Sony delays The Last of Us Part 2 and Iron Man VR 'until further notice' |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |work=Polygon |publisher=Vox Media |date=2 April 2020 |access-date=23 April 2020 }}{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/iron-man-vr-for-ps4-gets-new-release-date/1100-6477159/|title=Iron Man VR For PS4 Gets New Release Date|website=GameSpot|access-date=12 May 2020}}
• The Wonderful 101: Remastered physical edition from May 19 to June 30 in North America and May 22 to July 3, 2020, in Europe{{cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/the-wonderful-101-remastered-physical-copies-delayed-by-covid-19/|title=The Wonderful 101 Remastered Physical Copies Delayed by COVID-19|last=Lada|first=Jenni|publisher=Siliconera|date=30 April 2020|access-date=1 May 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/05/the-wonderful-101-remastered-physical-edition-delayed-to-june-30-in-north-america-july-3-in-europe|title=The Wonderful 101: Remastered physical edition delayed to June 30 in North America, July 3 in Europe|last=Romano|first=Sal|publisher=Gematsu|date=1 May 2020}}
• Sword Art Online: Alicization Lycoris from May 21 to July 9 in Japan and May 22 to July 10, 2020, in North America{{cite web |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/04/sword-art-online-alicization-lycoris-delayed-to-july-9-in-japan-july-10-in-the-west|title=Sword Art Online: Alicization Lycoris delayed to July 9 in Japan, July 10 in the west|last=Romano|first=Sal|publisher=Gematsu|date=24 April 2020|access-date=24 April 2020}}
• Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? Infinite Combat from early 2020 to August 7, 2020, in Europe and August 11, 2020, in North America{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-05-29/is-it-wrong-to-try-to-pick-up-girls-in-a-dungeon-infinite-combate-game-delayed-to-summer-in-west/.160070|title='Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? Infinite Combate' Game Delayed to Summer in West|last=Sherman|first=Jennifer|date=29 May 2020|access-date=30 May 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/06/is-it-wrong-to-try-to-pick-up-girls-in-a-dungeon-infinite-combate-launches-august-7-in-europe-august-11-in-north-america|title=Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? Infinite Combate launches August 7 in Europe, August 11 in North America|last=Romano|first=Sal|date=18 June 2020|access-date=18 June 2020}}
• Ninjala from May 27 to June 24, 2020{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/05/ninjala-delayed-to-june-24|title=Ninjala delayed to June 24|last=Romano|first=Sal|date=7 May 2020|access-date=8 May 2020}}
• Final Fantasy XIV Patch 5.3 from June 16 to August 11, 2020,{{Cite web|last=Yoshida|first=Naoki|title=Letter from the Producer, LXIII (06/04/2020)|url=https://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/threads/420143|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200701152419/https://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/threads/421185|archive-date=1 July 2020|access-date=5 August 2021|website=forum.square-enix.com}} as well as the game's fourth expansion pack, Endwalker, from Q3 2021 to December 7, 2021{{Cite news|last=Higham|first=Michael|title=The Path To FFXIV Endwalker Was Never Promised, But Always Envisioned|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-path-to-ffxiv-endwalker-was-never-promised-but-always-envisioned/1100-6487745/|access-date=5 August 2021|website=GameSpot|language=en-US}}
• Fairy Tail from June 25 to July 30, 2020, in Japan and Europe, and a day later in North America{{cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/fairy-tail-game-delayed-in-japan-from-june-25-to-july-30-2020/|title=Fairy Tail Game Delayed in Japan From June 25 to July 30, 2020|last=Sato|first=Sato|date=20 May 2020|access-date=20 May 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/05/fairy-tail-game-delayed-to-july-30-in-europe-and-japan-july-31-in-north-america|title=Fairy Tail game delayed to July 30 in Europe and Japan, July 31 in North America|last=Romano|first=Sal|date=21 May 2020|access-date=21 May 2020}}
• E-School Life for Nintendo Switch and PS4 from June 25 to July 30, 2020, in Japan{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/05/e-school-life-for-ps4-switch-delayed-to-july-30-in-japan|title=E School Life for PS4, Switch delayed to July 30 in Japan|last=Romano|first=Sal|date=21 May 2020|access-date=21 May 2020}}
• Fast & Furious Crossroads from May to August 7, 2020{{Cite web|first=Liam|last=Croft|url=http://www.pushsquare.com/news/2020/03/fast_and_furious_crossroads_may_2020_release_in_doubt_after_fast_9_delay|title=Fast & Furious Crossroads May 2020 Release in Doubt After Fast 9 Delay|work=Push Square|date=13 March 2020|access-date=19 May 2020}}{{Cite web|last=Purslow|first=Matt|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/fast-furious-crossroads-delayed|title=Fast & Furious Crossroads Delayed|website=IGN|date=27 May 2020|access-date=28 May 2020}}
• Kiss Trilogy for PS4 and Nintendo Switch from June 25 to August 27, 2020, in Japan{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/05/kiss-trilogy-for-ps4-delayed-to-august-27-in-japan|title=Kiss Trilogy for PS4 delayed to August 27 in Japan|last=Romano|first=Sal|date=21 May 2020|access-date=21 May 2020}}
• Kingdom Hearts: Dark Road from early 2020 to June 22, 2020{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/05/kingdom-hearts-dark-road-delayed|title=Kingdom Hearts: Dark Road delayed|last=Romano|first=Sal|date=18 May 2020|access-date=19 May 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/06/kingdom-hearts-dark-road-launches-june-22|title=Kingdom Hearts: Dark Road launches June 22|last=Romano|first=Sal|date=16 June 2020|access-date=16 June 2020}}
• No Straight Roads from June 30 to August 25, 2020{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/05/no-straight-roads-delayed-to-later-in-the-summer|title=No Straight Roads delayed to later in the summer|last=Romano|first=Sal|date=26 May 2020|access-date=26 May 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/06/no-straight-roads-launches-august-25-pc-demo-now-available|title=No Straight Roads launches August 25, PC demo now available|last=Romano|first=Sal|date=29 June 2020|access-date=29 June 2020}}
• Ary and the Secret of Seasons from July 28 to September 1, 2020{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/06/ary-and-the-secret-of-seasons-delayed-to-september|title=Ary and the Secret of Seasons delayed to September|last=Romano|first=Sal|date=10 June 2020|access-date=11 June 2020}}
• Death Stranding for PC from June 2 to July 14, 2020{{cite web |url=https://www.siliconera.com/death-stranding-pc-port-delayed-to-july-14-2020/|title=Death Stranding PC Port Delayed to July 14, 2020|last=Hashimoto|first=Kazuma |publisher=Siliconera |date=21 April 2020 |access-date=21 April 2020 }}
• Wasteland 3 from May 19 to August 28, 2020{{cite web |url=https://venturebeat.com/2020/03/31/wasteland-3-delayed-to-august-28/ |title=Wasteland 3 delayed to August 28 |last=Minotti |first=Mike |publisher=VentureBeat |date=31 March 2020 |access-date=1 April 2020 }}
• The Last of Us Part II from May 29 to June 19, 2020{{cite web|url=https://blog.us.playstation.com/2020/04/27/release-date-updates-for-the-last-of-us-part-ii-ghost-of-tsushima |title=Release Date Updates For The Last of Us Part II, Ghost of Tsushima |last=Hulst |first=Hermen |work=PlayStation Blog |publisher=Sony Interactive Entertainment |date=27 April 2020 |access-date=28 April 2020 }}
• Ghost of Tsushima from June 26 to July 17, 2020{{cite web |url=https://blog.us.playstation.com/2020/03/05/ghost-of-tsushima-out-june-26-collectors-digital-deluxe-editions-detailed/ |title=Ghost of Tsushima Out June 26: Collector's & Digital Deluxe Editions Detailed |last=Goldfarb |first=Andrew |work=PlayStation Blog |publisher=Sony Interactive Entertainment |date=5 March 2020 |access-date=28 April 2020 }}
• Monster Hunter World: Iceborne: Title Update 4 from May to July 9, 2020{{Cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/04/monster-hunter-world-iceborne-expansion-title-update-4-delayed|title=Monster Hunter World: Iceborne expansion Title Update 4 delayed|last=Romano|first=Sal|date=28 April 2020|access-date=28 April 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/06/monster-hunter-world-iceborne-expansion-title-update-4-launches-july-9|title=Monster Hunter World: Iceborne expansion Title Update 4 launches July 9|last=Romano|first=Sal|date=30 June 2020|access-date=30 June 2020}}
• Little Witch Academia: VR Broom Racing from June to late 2020 for Oculus Quest and early 2021 for PlayStation VR, Oculus Rift and SteamVR{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/05/little-witch-academia-vr-broom-racing-delayed-to-late-2020-for-oculus-quest-early-2021-for-playstation-vr-oculus-rift-and-steamvr|title=Little Witch Academia: VR Broom Racing delayed to late 2020 for Oculus Quest, early 2021 for PlayStation VR, Oculus Rift, and SteamVR|last=Romano|first=Sal|date=6 May 2020|access-date=7 May 2020}}
• Rock of Ages 3: Make & Break from June 2 to July 21, 2020{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/05/rock-of-ages-iii-make-break-delayed-to-july-21|title=Rock of Ages III: Make & Break delayed to July 21|last=Romano|first=Sal|date=14 May 2020|access-date=14 May 2020}}
• Star Wars Episode I: Racer Remaster for Nintendo Switch and PS4 from May 12 to June 23, 2020{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/05/star-wars-episode-i-racer-for-ps4-and-switch-delayed|title=Star Wars Episode I: Racer for PS4 and Switch delayed|last=Romano|first=Sal|date=11 May 2020|access-date=12 May 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/06/star-wars-episode-i-racer-for-ps4-and-switch-launches-june-23|title=Star Wars Episode I: Racer for PS4 and Switch launches June 23|last=Romano|first=Sal|date=16 June 2020|access-date=16 June 2020}}
• Phogs! from June to December 3, 2020{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/06/phogs-delayed-to-later-in-2020|title=PHOGS! delayed to later in 2020|last=Romano|first=Sal|date=3 June 2020|access-date=13 June 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/11/phogs-launches-december-3|title=PHOGS! launches December 3|last=Romano|first=Sal|date=5 November 2020|access-date=7 November 2020}}
• The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope from mid-2020 to October 30, 2020{{cite web|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/the-dark-pictures-little-hope-has-been-delayed/|title=The Dark Pictures: Little Hope has been delayed|last=Parlock|first=Joe|website=PC Gamer|date=11 June 2020|access-date=12 June 2020}}{{Cite web|title= The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope launches October 30 |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/07/the-dark-pictures-anthology-little-hope-launches-october-30|website=Gematsu|date=8 July 2020|language=en-US|access-date=8 July 2020}}
• Mafia: Definitive Edition from August 28 to September 25, 2020{{cite web|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/mafia-definitive-edition-has-been-delayed/|title=Mafia: Definitive Edition has been delayed|last=Chalk|first=Andy|website=pcgamer|date=7 July 2020|access-date=8 July 2020}}
• Stronghold: Warlords from September 29, 2020, to January 9, 2021,{{cite web|last=Su|first=Jake|url=https://www.pcinvasion.com/stronghold-warlords-delay/|title=Stronghold: Warlords delay sees new January release date|date=20 August 2020|website=PC Invasion|access-date=6 September 2020}} and then finally released at March 9, 2021, after further delays due to problems in the game's multiplayer mode.{{Cite web|last=Clayton|first=Natalie|date=2021-01-12|title=Stronghold: Warlords has been delayed until March because multiplayer is 'simply not ready'|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/stronghold-warlords-has-been-delayed-until-march/|access-date=2021-09-17|website=PC Gamer|language=en-US}}
• Blue Fire for PS4, Xbox One and PC from mid-2020 to Q1 2021{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/06/blue-fire-adds-ps4-xbox-one-and-pc-versions-delayed-to-q1-2021|title=Blue Fire adds PS4, Xbox One, and PC versions, delayed to Q1 2021|last=Romano|first=Sal|date=15 June 2020|access-date=16 June 2020}}
• Kerbal Space Program 2 from early 2020/Q3 2021 and then to 2022 and finally into early 2023.{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjE_YCl5xcg | title=Kerbal Space Program 2 Timing Update | website=YouTube | date=16 May 2022 }}
• Guilty Gear Strive from late 2020 to June 11, 2021.{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/05/guilty-gear-strive-delayed-to-early-2021|title=Guilty Gear: Strive delayed to early 2021|last=Romano|first=Sal|date=14 May 2020|access-date=15 May 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.dualshockers.com/guilty-gear-strive-release-date-ps5/|title=Guilty Gear Strive Release Date Set For April 9 On PS5, PS4, PC Via Steam|last=Agossah|first=Iyane|website=DualShockers|date=11 October 2020|access-date=11 October 2020}}
• Warframe Major Update called Duviri Paradox from 2020 to 2021{{cite web|url=https://www.destructoid.com/warframe-s-duviri-paradox-update-will-not-launch-in-2020-590349.phtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801185231/https://www.destructoid.com/warframe-s-duviri-paradox-update-will-not-launch-in-2020-590349.phtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 August 2020|title=Warframe's Duviri Paradox update will not launch in 2020|last=Andriessen|first=CJ|date=8 May 2020|access-date=11 May 2020}}
• Halo Infinite from 2020 to December 8, 2021{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/11/21363769/halo-infinite-delay-launch-2021-release-date-xbox-series-x|title=Microsoft delays Halo Infinite to 8th December 2021|last=Warren|first=Tom|date=11 August 2020|access-date=12 August 2020}}
• Deathloop from 2020 to September 14, 2021{{cite web | url = https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-07-10-deathloop-is-a-ps5-console-exclusive-until-at-least-september-2022 | title = PS5 timed console exclusive Deathloop won't hit Xbox until at least September 2022| first= Wesley | last = Yin-Poole | date = 10 July 2021 | accessdate = 4 August 2021 | work = eurogamer}}
• The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe from 2020 to April 27, 2022{{cite web|last=O'Conner|first=James|date=18 August 2020|title=The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe Announces Delay In The Most Stanley Parable Way Possible|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-stanley-parable-ultra-deluxe-announces-delay-i/1100-6481113/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f|access-date=18 August 2020|work=GameSpot}}{{Cite tweet|number=1295736422981345283|user=crowsx3|title=Your Spidey Sense is tingling... some news on The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe|author=Crows Crows Crows|date=18 August 2020|access-date=18 August 2020}}
• Sky: Children of the Light for Nintendo Switch from 2020 to June 29, 2021{{cite web |title=Sky: Children Of Light On Switch Is The Latest Game Delayed By COVID-19|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/sky-children-of-light-on-switch-is-the-latest-game/1100-6481479/|website=GameSpot|date=26 August 2020}}
• No More Heroes III from 2020 to August 27, 2021{{cite web|last=O'Connor|first=James|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/no-more-heroes-3-delayed-into-2021/1100-6481996/|title=No More Heroes 3 Delayed Into 2021|website=GameSpot|date=9 September 2020|access-date=10 September 2020}}
• Kena: Bridge of Spirits from 2020 to September 21, 2021{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/kena-bridge-of-spirits-delayed-to-september/ |title=Kena: Bridge of Spirits delayed to September |last=Gerblick |first=Jordan |work=GamesRadar+ |publisher=GamesRadar |date=July 28, 2021 |accessdate=July 28, 2021 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728215507/https://www.gamesradar.com/kena-bridge-of-spirits-delayed-to-september/ |archivedate=July 28, 2021 |url-status=live }}
• Outriders from late 2020 to April 1, 2021{{cite web|url=https://www.dualshockers.com/outriders-release-date-announcemente/|title=Outriders Gets a February 2, 2021 Release Date|first=Ricky|last=Frech|work=DualShockers|date=8 October 2020|access-date=8 October 2020}}
• The Medium from December 10, 2020, to January 28, 2021{{cite web| url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/11/the-medium-delayed-to-january-28-2021|title=The Medium delayed to January 28, 2021|last=Romano|first=Sal|date=6 November 2020|access-date=7 November 2020}}
• Harvest Moon: One World from 2020 to March 2, 2021, in North America and March 5, 2021, in Europe{{cite web|url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/harvest-moon-one-world-for-nintendo-switch-has-been-delayed-to-march-2021/|title=Harvest Moon: One World for Nintendo Switch has been delayed to March 2021|website=Video Games Chronicle|language=en-US|last=Ivan|first=Tom|date=16 September 2020|access-date=17 September 2020}}
• The Idolmaster: Starlit Season from 2020 to 2021{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/10/the-idolmaster-starlit-season-delayed-to-2021-in-japan-full-idol-lineup-announced|title=The Idolmaster: Starlit Season delayed to 2021 in Japan, full idol lineup announced|website=Gematsu|last=Romano|first=Sal|date=6 October 2020|access-date=7 October 2020}}
• Digimon Survive from 2020 to 2021 and finally into July 28, 2022, for Japan and a day later for the rest of the world.{{cite web|url=https://twinfinite.net/2020/10/digimon-survive-delayed/|title=Digimon Survive Officially Delayed to 2021|date=15 October 2020|website=Twinfinite|first=Giuseppe|last=Nelva|access-date=15 October 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2021/07/digimon-survive-delayed-to-2022|title=Digimon Survive delayed to 2022|date=28 July 2021|website=Gematsu|access-date=28 July 2021}}
• Seven Knights: Time Wanderer from June 2020{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/04/seven-knights-time-wanderer-delayed|title=Seven Knights: Time Wanderer delayed|last=Romano|first=Sal|publisher=Gematsu|date=21 April 2020|access-date=22 April 2020}} to November 5, 2020{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/10/seven-knights-time-wanderer-launches-november-5|title=Seven Knights: Time Wanderer launches November 5|last=Romano|first=Sal|publisher=Gematsu|date=21 October 2020|access-date=23 October 2020}}
• Monstrum physical edition from May 22, 2020{{Cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/04/monstrum-for-ps4-xbox-one-and-switch-launches-may-22|title=Monstrum for PS4, Xbox One, and Switch launches May 22|last=Romano|first=Sal|date=21 April 2020}} to October 23, 2020{{Cite web|url=https://thenerdstash.com/monstrum-physical-edition-releases-october-23/|title=Monstrum: Physical Edition Releases October 23|last=Matawaran|first=Aldwin|website=The Nerd Stash|date=16 October 2020|access-date=23 October 2020}}
• Dragon Marked for Death version 3.0 patch for Nintendo Switch from April 21, 2020{{cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/the-dragon-marked-for-death-3-0-0-switch-update-wont-launch-on-april-21-2020/|title=The Dragon Marked for Death 3.0.0 Switch Update Won't Launch on April 21, 2020|last=Lada|first=Jenni|publisher=Siliconera|date=20 April 2020|access-date=21 April 2020}} to April 23, 2020{{cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/the-dragon-marked-for-death-bandit-and-oracle-have-arrived-on-the-switch/|title=The Dragon Marked for Death Bandit and Oracle Have Arrived on the Switch|last=Lada|first=Jenni|publisher=Siliconera|date=24 April 2020|access-date=23 October 2020}}
• Everyday: Today's Menu for the Emiya Family from May 2020{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/05/everyday-todays-menu-for-the-emiya-family-delayed-in-japan|title=Everyday Today's Menu for the Emiya Family delayed in Japan|last=Romano|first=Sal|date=19 May 2020|access-date=20 May 2020|archive-date=27 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200527203412/https://www.gematsu.com/2020/05/everyday-todays-menu-for-the-emiya-family-delayed-in-japan|url-status=dead}} to April 28, 2021{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2021/03/everyday-todays-menu-for-the-emiya-family-launches-april-28-in-japan|title=Everyday Today's Menu for the Emiya Family launches April 28 in Japan [Update]|last=Romano|first=Sal|date=25 March 2021|access-date=26 March 2021|archive-date=25 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210325204519/https://www.gematsu.com/2021/03/everyday-todays-menu-for-the-emiya-family-launches-april-28-in-japan|url-status=dead}}
• Crossfire X from 2020 to February 10, 2022{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/11/crossfirex-delayed-to-2021|title=CrossfireX delayed to 2021|last=Romano|first=Sal|date=19 November 2020|access-date=20 November 2020}}
• Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course DLC from 2020{{cite web|url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/cupheads-delicious-last-course-dlc-has-been-delayed-again/|title=Cuphead's Delicious Last Course DLC has been delayed again|last=Ivan|first=Tom|website=VGC|date=26 November 2020|access-date=29 November 2020}} to June 30, 2022{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/12/9/22816788/cuphead-the-delicious-last-course-dlc-ms-chalice-release-date|title=Cuphead's years-in-the-making DLC will finally release in June|last=Peters|first=Jay|date=9 December 2021|access-date=10 December 2021}}
• Rainbow Six Extraction from 2020{{Cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2020/10/29/21540363/far-cry-6-rainbow-six-quarantine-delay-release-dates-pandemic-covid-19|title=Far Cry 6 and Rainbow Six Quarantine delayed into Ubisoft's 2021 fiscal year|date=29 October 2020|access-date=29 October 2020|work=Polygon|first=Ryan|last=Gilliam}} to January 20, 2022.{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/rainbow-six-extraction-january-release-date-price|title=Rainbow Six Extraction Gets a Release Date and a Lower Price|last=Skrebels|first=Joe|work=IGN|date=November 11, 2021|access-date=November 20, 2021}} Additionally, the original title of Rainbow Six Quarantine was renamed to avoid association with the pandemic.{{cite web | url = https://www.windowscentral.com/report-rainbow-six-quarantine-renamed-parasite-pandemic-looms | title = Report: Rainbow Six Quarantine renamed Parasite internally, final name to change further | first = Matt | last = Brown | date = February 26, 2021 | accessdate = October 5, 2022 | work = Windows Central }}
• Gran Turismo 7 from 2021 to March 4, 2022{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/2/23/22297059/gran-turismo-7-ps5-playstation-5-release-date-delay-2022|title=Gran Turismo 7 release date pushed back to 2022|last=Porter|first=Jon|date=23 February 2021}}
• Tales of Arise from 2020 to September 10, 2021{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/06/tales-of-arise-delayed-past-2020|title=Tales of Arise delayed past 2020|last=Romano|first=Sal|date=25 June 2020|access-date=25 June 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://twinfinite.net/2021/04/tales-of-arise-release-date/|title=Tales of Arise Gets Release Dates, Trailer & Gameplay; PS5 & Xbox Series X{{!}}S Versions Announced|last=Nelva|first=Giuseppe|date=21 April 2021|access-date=21 April 2021}}
• The King of Fighters XV from 2021 to February 17, 2022{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/daily-briefs/2021-06-02/king-of-fighters-xv-game-delayed-to-2022-due-to-covid-19/.173495|title=King of Fighters XV Game Delayed to 2022 Due to COVID-19|last=Pineda|first=Rafael Antonio|date=2 June 2021|access-date=3 June 2021}}
• God of War Ragnarök from 2021 to November 9, 2022{{cite web|title=Hermen Hulst Q&A: What's Next for PlayStation Studios|url=https://blog.playstation.com/2021/06/02/hermen-hulst-qa-whats-next-for-playstation-studios/#sf246401757|last=Shuman|first=Sid|date=2 June 2021|access-date=2 June 2021|website=PlayStation.Blog|publisher=Sony Interactive Entertainment}}
• Ghostwire: Tokyo from Q3 2021 to March 25, 2022{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/7/13/22575328/ghostwire-tokyo-tango-microsoft-ps5-exclusive-delayed-2022|title=Microsoft's PS5 exclusive Ghostwire: Tokyo is delayed until 2022|last=Robertson|first=Adi|date=13 July 2021|access-date=14 July 2021}}
• Far Cry 6 from February 18{{cite web | url = https://www.ign.com/articles/far-cry-6-delayed-until-after-march-2021 | title = Far Cry 6 Delayed Until After March 2021 | first = Matt | last = T.M. Kim | date = 29 October 2020 | access-date =29 October 2020 | work = IGN }} to October 7, 2021{{cite web | url = https://www.engadget.com/far-cry-6-release-date-gameplay-trailer-182030303.html | title= 'Far Cry 6' will be released on October 7th after an eight-month delay | first = K. | last = Holt | date = 28 May 2021 | accessdate = 28 May 2021 | work = Engadget }}
• Life Is Strange: Remastered Collection from September 10, 2021, to February 1, 2022{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2021/08/life-is-strange-remastered-collection-delayed-to-early-2022|title=Life Is Strange Remastered Collection delayed to early 2022|last=Romano|first=Sal|date=11 August 2021|access-date=12 August 2021}}
• Battlefield 2042 from October 22 to November 19, 2021{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/22675462/battlefield-2042-release-date-delayed-beta|title=Battlefield 2042 delayed to November|last=Goslin|first=Austen|website=Polygon|date=September 15, 2021|access-date=October 9, 2021}}

Game publishers and developers have expressed concerns that further extensions of the movement control orders from the pandemic may incur additional delays. One major factor that may cause delays is the ability to capture voice acting without access to studios during physical distancing for society, even though some of members have considered working from residence remotely to avoid troubling situations. An example of this happened with the Western release of Persona 5 Strikers whose voice acting in English was meant to start in April 2020 but was delayed due to the pandemic. The actors later received audio equipment from Atlus so that they could work at home.{{cite web|last1= Hazra|first1=Adriana |title= Voice Actress: Western Release of Persona 5 Strikers Game Was Delayed Due to COVID-19 |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-01-10/voice-actress-western-release-of-persona-5-strikers-game-was-delayed-due-to-covid-19/.168252|website=Gematsu |access-date=January 10, 2021}}

As much of the world's population had been quarantined due to the pandemic, video game playing and other Internet use had increased significantly. Steam had over 23 million concurrent players during March 2020, surpassing all previous records{{cite web |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/steam-has-now-broken-its-active-player-record/ | title = Steam has now broken its active player record | first = Andy | last = Robinson | date = 30 March 2020 | access-date = 30 March 2020 | work = Video Games Chronicle }} while over three billion hours of content were watched on Twitch over the first quarter of 2020, a 20% increase from the previous year's.{{cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/twitch-has-record-setting-quarter-amid-coronavirus/1100-6475610/ | title = Twitch Has Record-Setting Quarter Amid Coronavirus Lockdown | first = Gabe | last = Gurwin | date = 3 April 2020 | access-date = 3 April 2020 | work = GameSpot }} Microsoft reported a substantial increase in users of its Xbox Game Pass service in the months of March and April 2020, bringing it to over 10 million subscribers.{{cite web | url = https://www.theguardian.com/games/2020/apr/30/xbox-game-pass-subscriptions-hit-10-million | title = Xbox Game Pass subscriptions hit 10 million | first= Keith | last = Stewart | date = 30 April 2020 | access-date = 30 April 2020 | work = The Guardian }} GeForce Now capacity was temporarily exhausted in Europe before additional server capacity was added.{{cite web |last1=Broekhuijsen |first1=Niels |title=Nvidia GeForce Now Membership Selling Out Amid Coronavirus Outbreak |url=https://www.tomshardware.com/news/nvidia-geforce-now-sold-out-coronavirus |website=Tom's Hardware |date=18 March 2020 |access-date=30 March 2020 |language=en}}

The additional bandwidth from video games and other Internet services created concerns that critical bandwidth would not be available for medical and other key infrastructure elements necessary to mitigate the spread of SARS-CoV-2.{{cite web | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/26/business/coronavirus-internet-traffic-speed.html| title = Surging Traffic Is Slowing Down Our Internet | first1 = Cecilia | last1 = Kang | first2= Davey |last2= Alba |author-link2=Davey Alba| first3 = Adam | last3= Satariano | date = 26 March 2020 | access-date = 3 April 2020 | work = The New York Times }} To help reduce demand during peak hours, the Akamai content delivery network for many video games{{cite web | url = https://www.zdnet.com/article/akamai-to-slow-down-video-game-downloads-during-covid-19-outbreak/ | title = Akamai to slow down video game downloads during COVID-19 outbreak | first = Catalin | last = Cimpanu | date = 24 March 2020 | access-date = 3 April 2020 | work = ZDNet}} and major digital storefronts such as Xbox Live,{{cite web |last1=Warren |first1=Tom |title=Microsoft tweaks Xbox and Teams services during 775 percent surge in cloud demand |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/3/29/21198673/microsoft-cloud-demand-xbox-gamerpics-disable-coronavirus-pandemic |website=The Verge |access-date=30 March 2020 |language=en |date=29 March 2020}} PlayStation Network,{{cite web |last1=Kastrenakes |first1=Jacob |title=Sony will slow down PlayStation downloads in Europe, but says multiplayer will remain "robust" |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/3/24/21192370/playstation-coronavirus-download-speeds-slowed-europe-multiplayer |website=The Verge |access-date=30 March 2020 |language=en |date=24 March 2020}}{{cite web |last1=Farokhmanesh |first1=Megan |title=Sony is now slowing down PlayStation downloads in the US |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/3/27/21196835/sony-slow-playstation-downloads-us-internet-speed-isps-usage-coronavirus |website=The Verge |access-date=30 March 2020 |language=en |date=27 March 2020}} and Steam{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2020/3/30/21200043/steam-auto-update-changes-managing-bandwidth-coronavirus-pandemic | title = Steam is changing how game updates work to manage bandwidth during record usage | first = Michael | last = McWhertor | date = 30 March 2020 | access-date = 3 April 2020 | work = Polygon }} capped download speeds and encouraged the users to download at off-peak hours.

During quarantine and lockdown, Ubisoft announced an update for Just Dance 2020 to keep players active:{{Cite web|title=Ubisoft is giving away a free month of Just Dance Unlimited due to Covid-19|url=https://www.hardwarezone.com.sg/tech-news-ubisoft-giving-away-free-month-just-dance-unlimited-due-covid-19|access-date=27 August 2020|website=www.hardwarezone.com.sg|language=en}} customers who owned the game could access a month of the Just Dance Unlimited service. Ubisoft also announced in its official forum that the second event entitled "Power Gala", which was part of the second season "Feel the Power" in Just Dance 2020, had been postponed.{{Cite web|title=Season 2 Power Gala - Update {{!}} Forums|url=https://forums.ubisoft.com/showthread.php/2217070-Season-2-Power-Gala-Update?p=14922252#post14922252|access-date=27 August 2020|website=forums.ubisoft.com}}{{Dead link|date=October 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} The developer explained that the company wanted to protect its team due to the pandemic, and that "although [their] team still work[ed] hard to make our servers work as smoothly as possible at home", this needed to be resolved by postponing the content. Two tracks from Just Dance Unlimited were made free to make up for the delay.{{Cite web|url=https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/justdance/images/7/78/Season_2_ingame_announcement.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20200707124930|title=Season 2 Free songs}}

• GameStop and its Canadian subsidiary, EB Games, came under criticism for its overall response to the pandemic. Notably, it received widespread criticism when, after numerous states and provinces issued "stay at home" or "shelter in place" orders requiring non-essential businesses to close up starting in March 2020, it considered its stores an essential business, stating that they provided a "significant need for technology solutions". The chain later revised this decision, closing most locations and leaving only select stores open to provide drive-up delivery of online or by-phone orders to the customers.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/3/20/21188799/gamestop-california-store-closures-indefinite-coronavirus|title=GameStop to close all California stores indefinitely|last=Lyles|first=Taylor|date=20 March 2020|website=The Verge|language=en|access-date=21 March 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/20/tech/gamestop-open-essential-business/index.html|title=GameStop says it is an essential business. Employees are outraged|last=Liao|first=Shannon |website=CNN|date=20 March 2020 |access-date=21 March 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2020/03/does-gamestop-really-need-to-be-open-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic/|title=GameStop shuts down regular operations amid coronavirus closures|last=Orland|first=Kyle|date=22 March 2020|website=Ars Technica|language=en-us|access-date=22 March 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com/business/2020/03/20/ford-frustrated-as-dozens-line-up-for-eb-games-launch-despite-pandemic.html|title=EB Games to close Saturday, as Ford fumes while dozens line up for launch, despite pandemic|date=20 March 2020|website=Toronto Star|language=en|access-date=21 March 2020}}
• CeX closed all its corporate stores in the United Kingdom on 23 March and asked the franchises to do the same.{{cite web |title=UK Game Retailer CeX to Temporarily Close Stores Amid Rising Employee Concerns - IGN |date=23 March 2020 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/cex-closing-coronavirus |access-date=4 April 2020 |language=en}}
• Game X Change, a regional game retailer based in Arkansas, attracted criticism for keeping the retail locations open in areas with stay at home orders.{{cite web |title=Game X Change remains open despite COVID-19, sends workers debunked health advice |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2020-04-02-game-x-change-remains-open-despite-covid-recommends-debunked-health-advice-to-workers |website=GamesIndustry.biz |date=2 April 2020 |access-date=4 April 2020 |language=en}}

The Japanese game ratings body Computer Entertainment Rating Organization was forced to close operations from early April through 7 May, and upon reopening, implemented appropriate controls that reduced work hours, which is expected to delay some releases in Japan as they await a rating for retail release.{{cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/japanese-game-rating-body-cero-is-closed-for-the-r/1100-6475773/ | title = Japanese Game Rating Body CERO Is Closed For The Rest Of April | first = James | last = O'Conner | date = 7 April 2020 | access-date = 7 April 2020 | work = GameSpot }}{{cite web | url = https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/362303/Japans_CERO_game_ratings_board_is_reopening_this_week.php | title = Japan's CERO game ratings board is reopening this week | first= Alissa | last= McAloon |date = 4 May 2020 | access-date = 8 May 2020 | work = Gamasutra }}

• Nintendo of America donated 9,500 N95-rated face masks for first responders in the Washington state region in March after their facility was shuttered during Washington's stay-at-home program.{{cite web | url = https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2020-03-25-nintendo-donates-9500-face-masks-to-emergency-services | title = Nintendo donates 9500 face masks to emergency services | first= Tom | last = Phillips | date = 25 March 2020 | access-date = 25 March 2020 | work = Eurogamer }}
• Twitch hosted a 12-hour charity stream on 28 March 2020, to raise money for the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund. The stream featured games, music and sports celebrities playing games like Fortnite and Uno.{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/3/26/21195811/twitch-stream-aid-2020-live-aid-covid-19-coronavirus-celebrities |title=Twitch's Stream Aid 2020 plans to raise money for COVID-19 relief this weekend with a bunch of celebs |last=Stephen |first=Bijan |work=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=26 March 2020 |access-date=27 March 2020 }}
• Several game publishers worked with WHO to support its #PlayApartTogether campaign, encouraging players to continue social engagement in video games via online games instead of through physical means. Eighteen companies initially joined the effort when announced in March 2020, and at least forty more had joined by early April.{{cite web | url = https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/gaming/2020/03/28/video-games-whos-prescription-solace-during-coronavirus-pandemic/2932976001/ | title = WHO says play video games as healthy social pastime during coronavirus pandemic | first = Mike | last = Snider | date = 28 March 2020 | access-date = 29 March 2020 | work = USA Today }}{{cite web | url = https://venturebeat.com/2020/03/28/who-and-game-companies-launch-playaparttogether-to-promote-physical-distancing/ | title= WHO and game companies launch #PlayApartTogether to promote physical distancing | first= Dean | last = Takahashi | date = 28 March 2020 | access-date =28 March 2020 | work = VentureBeat }}{{cite web | url = https://venturebeat.com/2020/04/05/40-more-game-companies-join-whos-playaparttogether-coronavirus-awareness-campaign/ | title= 40 more game companies join WHO #PlayApartTogether coronavirus awareness campaign | first= Dean | last =Takahashi | date = 5 April 2020 | access-date = 7 April 2020 | work = Venture Beat }}
• Games Done Quick, a charity-driven speedrunning event, had to move its planned June 2020 event due to the pandemic, but announced it would run a fully online "Corona Relief Done Quick" event from 17 to 19 April 2020, with money raised going to Direct Relief.{{cite web | url = https://www.engadget.com/2020-03-27-corona-relief-done-quick.html | title = Games Done Quick will host a charity stream for COVID-19 relief | first = Igor | last = Bonifacic | date = 27 March 2020 | access-date= 28 March 2020 | work = Engadget }} The event raised over {{USD|400,000}}.{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2020/4/20/21227858/games-done-quick-coronavirus-relief-fund-crdq-april-2020 | title = Games Done Quick raises $400K for coronavirus relief fund | first = Nicole | last = Carpenter | date = 20 April 2020 | access-date = 20 April 2020 | work = Polygon }} Let's Play group The Runaway Guys added an additional {{USD|200,000}} through their third annual 'Colosseum' event, done in remote format (and under the title 'Colosseum Direct') due to the pandemic.
• Humble Bundle offered a "Conquer COVID-19 Bundle" of games and e-books from 31 March to 7 April 2020 with all proceeds going to Direct Relief, International Rescue Committee, Doctors Without Borders, and Partners in Health.{{cite web |title=Humble is fighting corona with a bundle of 45 games for $30 (and a lot of them are awesome) |url=https://www.destructoid.com/humble-is-fighting-corona-with-a-bundle-of-45-games-for-30-and-a-lot-of-them-are-awesome--585419.phtml |website=Destructoid |date=31 March 2020 |access-date=3 April 2020 |language=en |archive-date=8 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200408220832/https://www.destructoid.com/humble-is-fighting-corona-with-a-bundle-of-45-games-for-30-and-a-lot-of-them-are-awesome--585419.phtml |url-status=dead }} Over 200,000 bundles were sold raising over {{USD|6.5 million}} for the charities.{{cite news | url = https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/361873/Humbles_Conquer_COVID19_bundle_raises_65_million_for_pandemic_relief_.php | title = Humble's Conquer COVID-19 bundle raises $6.5 million for pandemic relief | first = Alissa | last =McAloon | date = 27 April 2020 | access-date = 27 April 2020 | work = Gamasutra }}
• The Association for UK Interactive Entertainment worked with the UK's Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to push the government's campaign of "Stay Home, Save Lives" into their members' video games that supported dynamic messaging like within in-game menu screens.{{cite news | url = https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2020/04/07/stay-home-save-lives-message-spreads-to-video-games-in-new-government-campaign/ | title = 'Stay Home, Save Lives' message spreads to video games in new government campaign | first = Alice | last = O'Conner | date = 7 April 2020 | access-date = 7 April 2020 | work = Rock Paper Shotgun }}
• Former Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aimé and video games journalist Harold Goldberg hosted Talking Games with Reggie and Harold, a seven-part podcast, to raise charitable funds for the New York Video Game Critics Circle to help mentor lower-income and under-served students in New York City impacted by the pandemic.{{cite web | url = https://www.vg247.com/2020/04/29/reggie-fils-aime-podcast-nintendo/ | title = Ex-Nintendo boss Reggie Fils-Aimé announces new podcast for charity | first = Cian |last = Maher | date = 29 April 2020 | access-date = 29 April 2020 | work = VG247 }}
• Idea Factory International held an online charity auction of an official Hyperdimension Neptunia illustration by series artist Tsunako. After the auction ended, they donated the money from the auction to help UNICEF USA's effort in fighting the virus.{{cite tweet|number=1301998412368408577|user=IdeaFactoryIntl|title=Check out the full video of Neptunia™...|date=4 September 2020}}
• Some game developers and publishers pledged to donate revenue generated by purchases to COVID-19 relief efforts:
• Rockstar Games donated five percent of revenue generated by in-game purchases in Grand Theft Auto Online and Red Dead Online in April and May 2020. Its nine worldwide studios donated to local charities, including City Harvest in London and New York, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Foundation, Boston Museum of Science, Akshaya Patra Foundation, Connecticut Food Bank, National Black Nurses Association, and Black Girls Code.{{cite web |url=https://www.vg247.com/2020/08/03/rockstar-games-donations-pandemic/ |title=Rockstar donates 5% of revenue from in-game purchases to charity |last=Maher |first=Cian |work=VG247 |publisher=videogaming247 Ltd. |date=3 August 2020 |access-date=4 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803234806/https://www.vg247.com/2020/08/03/rockstar-games-donations-pandemic/ |archive-date=3 August 2020 |url-status=live }}
• iNK Stories donated 25 percent of the revenue from sales of the Steam version of Fire Escape.{{cite web |url=https://uploadvr.com/fire-escape-vr-steam/ |title=Former Daydream-Exclusive Fire Escape Heads To PC VR Next Week |last=Feltham |first=Jamie |work=UploadVR |publisher=UVR Media LLC |date=26 April 2020 |access-date=1 May 2020 }}

With the need to stay inside one's home to avoid infection, many gamers flocked to online games as a substitute for social interactions they would otherwise miss. Animal Crossing: New Horizons was especially popular, with people around the world turning to the game's recreation of ordinary daily life activities and social networking features as a substitute for the normalcy disrupted by the pandemic.{{Cite web|title=Why games like Animal Crossing are the new social media of the coronavirus era|url=https://www.technologyreview.com/2020/04/16/999944/coronavirus-animal-crossing-video-games-social-media/|access-date=4 November 2020|website=MIT Technology Review|language=en}}{{Cite journal|last=Zhu|first=Lin|title=The psychology behind video games during COVID-19 pandemic: A case study of Animal Crossing: New Horizons|journal=Human Behavior and Emerging Technologies|year=2021|volume=3|pages=157–159|language=en|issue= |doi=10.1002/hbe2.221|issn=2578-1863|doi-access=free}}{{Cite web|title=Gamers seeking social oasis turn 'Animal Crossing' into global hit|url=http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/13430524|access-date=4 November 2020|website=The Asahi Shimbun|language=en}}{{Cite web|date=26 May 2020|title=CoD and Animal Crossing among best video games for socialising|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/tech/gaming/video-games-virtual-travel-social-interaction-a4448791.html|access-date=4 November 2020|website=Evening Standard|language=en}} Another very popular game during the pandemic was Grand Theft Auto Online. The game reached one of its highest simultaneous player count of 267,000 players at the beginning of 2020. {{Cite web |title=How many people play GTA Online? 2023 player count stats |url=https://www.charlieintel.com/gta/gta-online-player-count-167041/ |access-date=2023-05-26 |website=Charlie INTEL |language=en}}

Fall Guys and Among Us were particularly popular during this time, with the former being released during the pandemic and the latter receiving a surge of popularity.{{Cite web|last=Grayson|first=Nathan|date=8 September 2020|title=Among Us' Improbable Rise To The Top Of Twitch|url=https://www.kotaku.com.au/2020/09/among-us-improbable-rise-to-the-top-of-twitch/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200909025025/https://www.kotaku.com.au/2020/09/among-us-improbable-rise-to-the-top-of-twitch/|archive-date=9 September 2020|access-date=8 September 2020|website=Kotaku Australia|language=en-AU}}{{Cite web|last=Grimm|first=Peter|date=7 September 2020|title=Among Us Hits Impressive Concurrent Player Milestone|url=https://gamerant.com/among-us-concurrent-player-milestone/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200909025047/https://gamerant.com/among-us-concurrent-player-milestone/|archive-date=9 September 2020|access-date=8 September 2020|website=Game Rant|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|last=Baird|first=Scott|date=7 September 2020|title=Fall Guys Is Number One On Steam's Bestselling List For Fifth Week In A Row|url=https://www.thegamer.com/fall-guys-number-one-steam-sales/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200909025047/https://www.thegamer.com/fall-guys-number-one-steam-sales/|archive-date=9 September 2020|access-date=8 September 2020|website=TheGamer|language=en-US}}{{Cite magazine|last=Matthews|first=Emma|date=25 August 2020|title=Why Among Us is the best game to watch on Twitch right now|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/why-among-us-is-the-best-game-to-watch-on-twitch-right-now/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200909025025/https://www.pcgamer.com/why-among-us-is-the-best-game-to-watch-on-twitch-right-now/|archive-date=9 September 2020|access-date=8 September 2020|magazine=PC Gamer|language=en-US}} Some non-online games were also thematically compared to the pandemic, such as The Longing{{Cite web|last=Weber|first=Rachel|date=3 April 2020|title=The Longing is the indie game that sums up self-solation perfectly|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/the-longing-is-the-indie-game-that-sums-up-self-solation-perfectly/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406034220/https://www.gamesradar.com/the-longing-is-the-indie-game-that-sums-up-self-solation-perfectly/|archive-date=6 April 2020|access-date=1 May 2020|website=GamesRadar|language=en}} and Presentable Liberty.{{Cite web|last=Stewart|first=Ly|date=2020-08-03|title=The Newfound Relevance of Presentable Liberty|url=https://www.indiependent.co.uk/the-newfound-relevance-of-presentable-liberty/|access-date=2022-02-11|website=The Indiependent|language=en-GB}} Microsoft Flight Simulator, first released in August 2020, has been considered popular during the pandemic, as many saw it as a safer alternative to travelling.{{Cite web|last=Andronico|first=Michael|date=23 August 2020|title=Microsoft Flight Simulator is the perfect pandemic game — and Xbox Series X needs it|url=https://www.tomsguide.com/news/microsoft-flight-simulator-is-the-perfect-pandemic-game-and-xbox-series-x-needs-it|access-date=4 August 2020|website=Tom's Guide|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=20 March 2021|title=How Flight Simulators Helped Pilots Keep Their Flying License Despite No Airtime During Pandemic |url=https://www.news18.com/news/auto/how-flight-simulators-helped-pilots-keep-their-flying-license-despite-no-airtime-during-pandemic-3539807.html|access-date=4 August 2020|website=News18|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Thurber |first=Matt|date=1 July 2020 |title=Desktop Simulators Shine During Pandemic |url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/general-aviation/2020-07-01/desktop-simulators-shine-during-pandemic|access-date=4 August 2020|website=AINonline|language=en}}{{Cite magazine|last= |first= |date=25 December 2020 |title=Best Innovation 2020: Microsoft Flight Simulator |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/best-innovation-2020-microsoft-flight-simulator/ |access-date=4 August 2020|magazine=PC Gamer|language=en|quote=Like so many of us, I'm stuck at home waiting out a pandemic.}} Other games, such as The Last of Us Part II, Roblox and Project CARS 3, were also popular during the pandemic.{{Cn|date=November 2024}}

• John Horton Conway, mathematician and creator of Conway's Game of Life.{{cite web | url = https://arstechnica.com/science/2020/04/john-conway-inventor-of-the-game-of-life-has-died-of-covid-19/ | title = John Conway, inventor of the Game of Life, has died of COVID-19 | first = Timothy | last = Lee | date = 13 April 2020 | access-date = 16 April 2020 | work = Ars Technica }}
• Rick May, voice actor; including the Soldier in Team Fortress 2.{{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamer.com/rick-may-voice-of-the-soldier-in-team-fortress-2-dies/ | title = Rick May, voice of the Soldier in Team Fortress 2, has died | first= Andy | last= Chalk | date = 13 April 2020 | access-date = 16 April 2020 | work = PC Gamer }}

Towards the end of 2023 and continuing into 2024, the video game industry saw a large number of layoffs, with over 10,000 jobs lost in 2023 and at least 8,000 in 2024 by February 2024. While other factors contributed to the layoffs, such as previous acquisitions and mergers that came after 2021, the return to normalcy after COVID changed the profitability of video games, lowering market forecasts, which the inflated industry could not sustain.{{cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/video-game-industry-layoffs-are-worse-than-ever-how-did-we-get-here/1100-6521799/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f | title = Video Game Industry Layoffs Are Worse Than Ever. How Did We Get Here? | first = Phil | last = Hornshaw | date = March 12, 2024 | accessdate = March 16, 2024 | work = GameSpot }}

• 2023–2025 video game industry layoffs

{{reflist}}

{{COVID-19 pandemic}}

Category:2020 in video gaming

Category:2021 in video gaming

Category:Health and video gaming

Category:History of video games

Category:Video game industry