Australia’s Gaming Technologies Association (GTA) has announced the cancellation of this year’s Australasian Gaming Expo (AGE) due to restrictions on large gatherings as a result of COVID-19.
The decision to cancel the event follows an updated Public Health Order issued on 14 May 2020 by the NSW Government which extended restrictions from 29 June to 14 August. AGE had been scheduled to run from 11 to 13 August 2020.
“The government did announce a three-stage easing roadmap, but even when fully implemented that roadmap does not allow for more than 100 people to attend a venue such as ICC Sydney,” said Chris Muir, CEO of the GTA.
“And we have not forgotten the risk that Covid-19 still poses for everyone at this time.”
With this year’s event canceled and no suitable date found in the interim, the GTA said the 31st edition of Australia’s largest annual gaming industry trade event would now be held from 10 to 12 August 2021.
Despite the setback, Muir said the response from exhibitors and sponsors has been positive.
“We’ve already seen some significant initiatives from AGE exhibitors as they support businesses with technology and physical distancing measures,” he said. “We’ll continue to connect buyers with sellers as our industry slowly starts its road-to-recovery.”
