It's beginning to look as if the deadly coronavirus may impact the development and release of both the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X. Proven to be a virulent and occasionally fatal disease, the coronavirus outbreak has already caused a number of delays and concerns in both international transport and video game development, as it was recently reported that the upcoming Nintendo Switch port of The Outer Worlds would be delayed due to impacts from the disease.
First originating in Wuhan, China, the coronavirus has quickly spread throughout the globe and sparked fears among many, especially those who travel to China on a regular basis for business or personal reasons. Symptoms of the coronavirus have included fever, coughing, and breathing issues, and although the virus has been known to cause death in cases this has (so far) only occurred roughly two percent of the time. Fears of the coronavirus have prompted a number of factories and other companies in China to temporarily close, and even Nintendo has apologized for Switch delays due to the virus.
As reported by Business Insider, both the upcoming PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X are being manufactured in China, where over 28,000 people have been reported as being infected with the coronavirus as of yesterday. In fact, many of the world's consumer and electronic goods are produced by Chinese manufacturers, and if the coronavirus outbreak spreads it could affect not only the gaming industry but many, many others.
The above report notes that over 500 people have died from the coronavirus so far, and some companies are taking steps to help ensure the safety of their employees. Foxconn, a manufacturing company which is responsible for the production of Apple's iPhone, has begun quarantining workers, and Blizzard has cancelled all Overwatch League matches in China until further notice as both companies hope to minimize the spread of the deadly contagion.
While there are steps everyone can take to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, one of the most important things companies can do to protect their employees is to make sure the people who currently are infected stay both well-rested and away from the general populace, lest they risk making the virus more widespread than it already is. Although a delay in the production of the much-anticipated PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X may be disappointing to eager fans, the health and well-being of the people who bring such consoles to life should always be taken into consideration first.
Source: Business Insider
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