Iron Galaxy CEO Adam Boyes is not happy with those who run the Game Developer’s Conference. Better known as the GDC, the event is set up to take place next month, though, at this point, there are more than a few people who believe the whole thing will eventually get canceled.
One company after another has decided not to attend because of the growing pandemic issues caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19). Iron Galaxy is one of the latest to make the announcement it would no longer be appearing.
As the flood of companies including Sony, Microsoft, Amazon, Facebook, EA, Epic Games, and Kojima Productions decided it would be safe not to attend, no one really questions just how GDC was handling the massive losses of attendees.
Iron Galaxy is the first to shed some light on that, and it’s not great. Boyes took to Twitter on Friday morning, more than a little perturbed.
Dear @Official_GDC,
Please reconsider your refund policy for folks who are deciding not to attend your conference in order to prioritize their health and wellness. Many developers spend their hard earned money to attend, and they shouldn't be punished for their caution.
– Adam
— ᴀᴅᴀᴍ ʙᴏʏᴇs (@amboyes) February 27, 2020
Boyes’ comments bring to light that the economic effects of COVID-19 are both big and small, or all big, depending on who you are. While the stock market is tanking, game companies are having to figure out whether they will need to eat registration costs or get them back from conferences they’ve decided not to attend. At the same time, those who run the Game Developer’s Conference are trying to figure out how to hold the event still or hold people accountable for pulling out without much warning.
As for now, it’s not clear whether or not Iron Galaxy or any of the other companies are going to get even a partial refund. As of now, the GDC is remaining mum about their plans. That could be because its organizers don’t want to have to cancel it outright. Still, big companies and smaller ones alike are looking out for their employees’ health, and they don’t believe they should be punished for it.
