After receiving continuous threats towards staff and spectators, Nintendo has decided to cancel Nintendo Live 2024 Tokyo and delay several Japanese esports events.
A Japanese press statement, translated and shared on X/Twitter by reliable source Genki, disclosed that the “celebration for Nintendo fans of all ages”, which was held for the first time in America in 2023, has been called off and the main esports competitions put on hold.
According to Nintendo, there has been a relentless onslaught of threats aimed at spectators, attendees, staff, and employees of Nintendo Live 2024, compelling the company to cancel the event in the name of safety. The event was supposed to be held from January 20 to 21.
Nintendo Live 2024 Tokyo has been cancelled due to threats received at Nintendo
– Threats made against Nintendo staff and spectators
– Event was due to take place at Tokyo Big Sight in Jan 2024
– Splatoon & Mario Kart tournaments have been postponedhttps://t.co/Wjjng4qPuA pic.twitter.com/fp8CRlxtO7— Genki (@Genki_JPN) December 7, 2023
The 2023 Splatoon Koshien National Finals, initially slated for December 2023, has also been delayed. The full lineup of events for Nintendo Live 2024 — including the Splatoon 3 World Championship 2024, the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Online Challenge Final Stage, and the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe World Championship 2024 — have all unsurprisingly been delayed, with new dates yet to be decided.
Nintendo extended its apology for any upset caused and expressed gratitude to fans for their understanding.
The 2023 edition of the event held in Seattle, Washington in September boasted a range of fan-focused festivities such as opportunities to try out upcoming Switch games, compete in tournaments, take character photos, enjoy live stage shows, and more.
Ryan Dinsdale is a freelance reporter for IGN. He is always more than willing to discuss The Witcher.