The coronavirus pandemic has impacted all facets of everyday life in recent weeks, resulting in the cancellation orpostponement of gaming conferences such as E3 and GDC, as well as sporting events like the Kentucky Derby and PGA Championship. Along with mandatory bar and restaurant closures in multiple states, another leisure time activity for many Americans must now also be put on hold.
AMC Theatres and Regal Cinemas both announced yesterday that all theaters would be shutting down beginning March 17 in accordance with local, state, and federal guidelines. AMC will be shut down for 6 to 12 weeks andRegal Cinemas will remain closeduntil further notice. Today, Cinemark Theatres issued a statement about its decision to also close all US theaters beginning on Wednesday, March 18, until it is deemed safe to again open auditoriums to the public.
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The announcement went on to state that Cinemark would continue to support itsemployeesduring this time, though it’s unclear what steps the company will take to ensure the financial stability of workers who now find themselves at least temporarily without employment.
With the closure of multiple movie theater chains, the cancellation of the NBA season, and the postponement of various film and game development projects likeThe Outer WorldsNintendo Switch port, gamers will still have plenty of new game releases to keep them occupied. The rogue-liteExit the Gungeonlaunched unexpectedly todayfor Switch andDoom Eternalcomes out for multiple platforms on March 20, which players will be able to download digitally and enjoy from the comfort and safety of home.
