The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed the convention schedule for this year. It’s going to be a pretty light year for actual events, it seems, as one more has been removed from the list. I mean, it’s the safe and smart thing to do, but it always hurts, just a little. This time, it’s the Lock & Load Gamefest that Privateer Press throws.
From the announcement:
As we approach just two months before the scheduled dates of Lock & Load GameFest 2020 with great uncertainty about what the restrictions will be regarding large public gatherings come June, we have made the decision to cancel this year’s event.
To say we are disappointed to have to do this is an understatement. Lock & Load is our favorite event of the year, the event at which we get to spend the most time with our community, and of course, this year, we were to be celebrating the 20th anniversary of Privateer Press. But as it’s been for so many other events that have had to follow a similar course, this decision is made in the best interest of our attendees and staff with the expectation that it is also unlikely such events will even be allowed in Washington State anytime soon.
In lieu of our live Lock & Load events, we are now planning a series of events that you’ll be able to experience from your very own home. We’re planning streaming events as well as online previews of the year to come, and we’re moving the exciting narrative event that would wrap up the Oblivion storyline to the Summer Rampage [Home Edition]. We’ll also have exciting prereleases and exclusives available as well so that, even though we can’t all meet up at Lock & Load like we’ve been doing for the past 9 years, we’ll still get to enjoy some of the annual Lock & Load celebration together.