After backlash from attendees and even some online streamers, Twitchcon San Diego released a statement on mask requirements, vaccinations and even testing for attendees as both monkeypox and COVID-19 cases continue to rise in California, as first reported by The Verge reported.
(Photo: MARTIN BUREAU/AFP via Getty Images)
An image taken at the Tokyo Game Show on September 21, 2018 shows the logo of VOD and streaming video game company Twitch.
“We want TwitchCon to be a place where our entire community can come together and celebrate one another. It should be an inclusive event for everyone, and that means taking steps to ensure as many people as possible are comfortable with our safety precautions,” Twitch explained.
As per the updated TwitchCon Health Measures FAQ, they will now require masks indoors, with the exception of the Kappa Cabana and TwitchCon party, which will be held outdoors, and proof of at least 2 doses of COVID-19 vaccine or a negative result of COVID-19 test in no more than 72 hours before the event.
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Backlash from participants and streamers
(Photo: Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images)
SAN JOSE, CA – OCTOBER 27: Fans cheer gameplay during the 2018 Doritos Bowl at TwitchCon 2018 at the San Jose Convention Center on October 27, 2018 in San Jose, California.
Before the mandate, attendees and streamers expressed their hesitation about the said event as they did not feel comfortable and safe due to the two viruses. Twitch partner Garry Whitta said in an interview for The Verge that he had already booked a hotel for said event but completely changed his mind after learning the old policy.
Merry Kish, Twitch’s director of community marketing, also confirmed via Twitter the sudden changes in said event when she was approached by a Twitch Partner regarding this issue.
Twitch said in the statement that while acknowledging the disappointment of some attendees over the new health measures, the safety of attendees is their top priority. For those not comfortable with these measures, the company is offering refunds through August 19 if attendees are ever unable to meet the newly updated convention guidelines.
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Attendees at TwitchCon San Diego 2022
Big names from the gaming community such as Tyleroakley, DisgustedToast, MsAshRocks, Pokimaine and Neeko have been confirmed to attend the convention.
Twitch teases attendees that more names will be announced soon to join the October convention. Meet and greets and photo ops are also possible.
The three-day event consists of various activities such as Creator Camps, Community Panels, Interactive Sessions, Expo Floor and more where the Twitch community can enjoy the whole experience.
3 tickets are available now on their website. The 1-day ticket is $129 and the 3-day ticket is $199. The other 3-day ticket gives access to the TwitchCon party and costs $229.
All ticket holders will receive swag bags from Twitch.
California’s state in relation to COVID-19
The cases from June 9 to August 3 average 12,000 people who have tested positive for the said virus, which is the reason some are very reluctant to attend the event. Therefore, the health protocols will be implemented to prevent further cases during the event.
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Written by Inno Flores
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