In its press release today, Nintendo has announced the cancellation of Nintendo Live 2024, scheduled to be held Jan 20 to 21 at Tokyo Big Sight in Japan and postponed several competitions and events due to ongoing threats against staff, fans and participants.
According to notable Japanese game news translator Genki, who translated the press release, Nintendo will cancel Nintendo Live 2024 and postpone several Japanese events, such as Splatoon Koshien 2023 finals, Splatoon 3 world championship, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe finals, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe championships to an unspecified date.
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What Are the Threats Aimed Towards Participants of Nintendo Live 2024?
Although Nintendo has not disclosed details about the threats directed towards the guests in Nintendo Live 2024, the company has made it clear that the safety of its employees and guests is of the utmost importance, which is why they took these threats very seriously.
While they did not outright mention it, one main reason Nintendo was so prompt in cancelling the event was due to a reference towards one of the deadliest attacks in Japan in decades, which shocked Japan and the Japanese entertainment industry. Moreover, the trial for the devastating 2019 Kyoto Animation arson attack, which killed 36 people and injured dozens, is still ongoing today.
Therefore, safety has become a concern for many event participants and organisers in recent years, as Geoff Keighley announced that they have improved security at today’s The Game Awards compared to previous years. However, this did not change Nintendo’s stance towards its Nintendo Live 2024 event and cancelled it altogether for the guest’s safety.
Despite their disappointment, fans were understanding of Nintendo’s postponements and cancellations. In turn, Nintendo has assured employees and participants that they will provide updates regarding the postponed tournament in a timely manner and apologise for any inconvenience.
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Nintendo Announced Postponement of Splatoon Koshien 2023 National Finals and Other Three Events
As mentioned above, Nintendo will postpone the Splatoon Koshien 2023 National Finals and three other events amidst the cancellation of Nintendo Live 2024. Stated below is Nintendo’s official announcement from its website:
“We deeply regret to inform you that the ‘Splatoon Koshien 2023 National Finals,’ initially scheduled for December 16 and 17 at the Tokyo Ota Ward General Gymnasium, is now postponed due to recent threats. These threats, originally targeted at our employees, have unfortunately extended to the audience, staff, and other associates of the event. Prioritising the safety of our customers, we have made the challenging decision to postpone the event.”
“Additionally, the ‘Splatoon 3 World Championship 2024,’ linked to the ‘Splatoon Koshien 2023 National Finals,’ is also postponed. Furthermore, the ‘Nintendo Live 2024 TOKYO,’ originally set for January 20 and 21 in 2024, is cancelled due to our inability to ensure the safety of our customers. As for the events scheduled at the venue for ‘Nintendo Live 2024 TOKYO,’ including the ‘Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Online Challenge Final Stage’ and the ‘Mario Kart 8 Deluxe World Championship 2024,’ they will also be postponed.”
“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused and deeply appreciate your understanding in this matter.”
Can We Expect Nintendo Live At a Further Date?
At the current time of writing, it seems unlikely that Nintendo will announce another Nintendo Live event in early 2024. It is a massive shame as Nintendo Live’s debut in an international state in Seattle this September was truly memorable. For context, the myriad fan-centric celebrations featured playable games (Including the then-upcoming Super Mario Bros Wonder), competing in tournaments, taking photos with characters, watching live stage performances, and more.
Even more disappointingly, Nintendo Live 2024 in Tokyo was an in-person event planned to showcase tournaments for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Splatoon 3, and more. However, with the risks of civilians and kind-hearted participants, guests, staff and management personnel, it is understandable why Nintendo chose to forgo the event. As per the saying from the National Safety Council: “The safety of the people shall be the highest law.”
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