Nintendo Cancels Live Event Due to Threats

Nintendo has announced that it is canceling or postponing several events in Japan following recent threats. The company has not detailed the threats in question, but it treats them with the utmost seriousness.

The threats targeted Nintendo employees, event staff, and event spectators.

Nintendo planned to hold the 2024 Splatoon 3 World Championship during Nintendo Live in Tokyo on January 20. However, the company canceled the live event following continued threats. Initially targeting employees, the threats have since spread to spectators and event staff.

The cancellation shook up Nintendo's event schedule for late 2023 and early 2024. This includes moving the Splatoon Koshien 2023 National Finals from December 16 to December 7. The Splatoon Championship was also postponed, as were Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Online and the Nintendo World Championships. . The company plans to reschedule the events and will announce new times and dates once it has decided on them.

The gaming giant announced the now-canceled convention last week. The first Nintendo Live event took place in Seattle in August, and a second took place September 1-5. Events include photo ops, musical performances, and stage competitions like the aforementioned Splatoon and Mario Kart tournaments. The August event planned to allow fans to play Super Mario Bros. Wonder months before its official release.

The cancellation of the Tokyo event is regrettable, but understandable given the circumstances. Statement from Nintendo did not say whether he knew who was responsible for the threats or what their motivation might be. Hopefully future events won't face the same problem.