Sony released a bombshell announcement today, stating the the PlayStation 5 reveal event would be delayed due to recent events. The PS5 reveal event was originally intended to air on Thursday, July 4, with many consumers expecting the first actual look at the console alongside some demonstrations of next-gen titles.
The PS5 is Sony's next-gen console and there's a lot riding on the device after the continued success of the PlayStation 4. While Microsoft's been much more open about the design, direction, and content that will be present on the Xbox Series X thus far, the presentation originally scheduled for this week was meant to help illustrate Sony's direction and given consumers a better glimpse at it. Many events and announcements have been delayed recently, however, due to the renewed resistance to racial discrimination and the mistreatment of Black people in the United States.
Obviously, that won't be happening now, as Sony announced on Twitter that the company would be delaying the PS5 event. In a statement, the company explained that while it was excited for fans to get their first looks at upcoming PlayStation 5 games, the company felt that the event would be ill-timed given recent circumstances. While no direct reference was made to the ongoing protests and demonstrations that have dominated news coverage in the United States, it's not hard to read between the lines, especially with Sony's statement that it wants "more important voices to be heard." It's clearly a decision to support the Black Lives Matters movement that has been an important discourse over the past several days.
It will be interesting to see if Sony's decision sets a precedent for the many other gaming events scheduled for June, many of which are going to take place in the coming week. It's also an important gesture of support from a company that has made its name by supporting players of all backgrounds.
Sony's decision to postpone the PlayStation 5 reveal in the wake of the Black Lives Matters protests is the right call. Running events that celebrate gaming as inclusive while people are struggling to have their rights recognized would be hypocritical, and its encouraging to see major companies using platforms of power to step back and let other voices be heard. Hopefully this sets an on-going precedent for other companies as well. PlayStation 5 reveal events can be postponed, repurposed, and put off - but the well-being of Black Americans and others can't.
Source: PlayStation/Twitter