This Thursday, June 4th, Sony intended on staging one of the first PS5 reveal events, meant to lift the veil on some of the expected launch titles. Today, however, Sony has officially issued a statement confirming that the event has been delayed, alluding to the ongoing protests honoring George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and all victims of racially-fueled police brutality.
"We have decided to postpone the PlayStation 5 event scheduled for June 4th," begins Sony's statement. "While we understand gamers worldwide are excited to see PS5 games, we do not feel like right now is a time for celebration, and for now we want to stand back and allow more important voices to be heard." It should be noted that while George Floyd wasn't mentioned directly by name, it's clear that Sony understands the impact of his growing legacy and the movement that his tragic death has sparked.
Likewise does EA, who also postponed their own "Madden 21" PS5 event in solidarity with the movement. "We stand with our African American / Black community of friends, players, colleagues, and partners," writes EA. "Our immediate attention is on actions we can take to drive change against the unjust treatment and systemic bias that is plaguing the nation and world."
Check out both statements below. As of now, both Sony and EA have postponed their respective events indefinitely.
NFL Owners To Vote On New Exclusive Contract With EA Sports Through 2026
The owners will decide on the future of NFL games in a virtual meeting, next week.
The NFL Owners are set to vote on the continuation of a licensing exclusivity deal with EA Sports next week. The deal would lock in the Madden franchise as the exclusive home of the virtual NFL through the 2026 season.
Frazer Harrison / Getty Images
Senior NFL Reporter Albert Breer detailed the specifics of the agreement on Twitter: "People have asked if EA Sports' deal will be exclusive. Here's the language: 'the exclusive right to manufacture, market and distribute NFL-themed realistic action simulation video games.'
"Rights are non-exclusive on 'arcade-style games, youth games, and casual/mobile games.'"
2K Sports announced they've reached a multiyear agreement with the NFL in March; however, no specifics regarding the type of games 2K aims to make have been released.
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk explained the context surrounding the situation this week writing, "EA Sports absorbed plenty of criticism for shutting down the 2K series, which many gamers preferred to Madden. There also have been concerns that the lack of competition has prompted EA to become complacent when it comes to innovating the Madden game."
EA first purchased exclusive rights to produce NFL games in 2004. Prior to that, both companies released NFL games annually.
The vote will take place during next week's virtual owners meeting.
[Via]
