Yep, this is entirely irresponsible.
I was nervous when the various companies wanted to bring back onsite and physical gaming conventions. Mainly because I knew a number of them wouldn’t even attempt to ensure that their attendees would be protected. Now, it looks as if another convention, San Diego 2022 | TwitchCon, isn’t even pretending that it cares.
In a recent update to its health requirements, the massive streamer convention has announced that it won’t require any COVID-19 vaccination. Nor will it require anyone, attendees, or exhibitors to wear a mask, but you are encouraged to do so.
Here’s what the event has to say about its health guidelines.
I’m sorry, but what the fuck? I get it; Amazon and Twitch want as many people as possible to attend the event. But this? This is utterly irresponsible on so many levels. Even the recent San Diego ComicCon 2022 required proof of vaccination and a mask to be worn at all times. And even then, I’m sure a few likely attended the event and still managed to catch COVID-19.
Regardless, this is a wrong move on Amazon and Twitch’s part. I fully understand that they are acting under the guidelines of California, but that state has no room to speak. The last time I checked, California’s COVID-19 numbers were rising, thanks to the loosened requirements.
I know there’s going to be that person who’ll chime in and say, “but the events bring in money, and the state needs it,” or some BS along those lines. People’s lives are more important than money. If people are dead, they can’t give you money either.
The event can easily enforce its guidelines as well. It doesn’t have to follow California’s rules. Case in point, look at what San Diego Comic Con 2022 did.
The sooner people realize that this damned virus doesn’t care about anyone, nor does it discriminate on who it infects, we’ll be in a better place. As for me, I’m vaccinated, I have my booster, and I do not go anywhere without a mask. Does it suck that we’re still wearing them? Sure, it does. But you know what? I like living a lot more than I do dying.
Here’s to hoping that Amazon and Twitch rethink their strategy here. If they don’t, I hope Twitch’s top streamers and anyone else planning on heading to the event voice their concerns. I wanted to go, but that’s scratched off the list until things change; if they do, that is.
TwitchCon San Diego 2022 takes place between Oct. 7 and 9, 2022.
Sound off in the comments, and let us know how you feel about this.
