EVE Online developer CCP Games announced today that due to concerns over the ongoing Covid-19 (commonly referred to as the coronavirus) outbreak, the annual fan convention known as EVE Fanfest will be canceled this year, taking place the weekend of April 2. The planned event typically draws thousands of players from around the world to talk with developers and learn about what's next for the 16-year-old MMO.

"We feel compelled to take the most responsible course of action, prioritizing the safety and well-being of our participants, staff, and of course the Icelandic public," CCP said in a blog post announcing the cancellation.

"While the situation could be very different in a month's time, after close and serious consideration, both globally and in Iceland's neighboring countries where the event is developing, it has become clear that this is a necessary step.

EVE Fanfest has joined the growing number of gaming events that have been canceled or severely affected by the Covid-19 outbreak. The Game Developers Conference in San Francisco has seen some of its largest exhibitors cancel their attendance, with many predicting that the show will be cancelled altogether; IEM, a major tournament for CS:GO and StarCraft 2 Katowice will no longer be open to the public (although they will be broadcast online), and the entire Chinese pro circuit for League of Legends will be suspended until further notice.

For an updated list of the coronavirus' impact on the video game industry, see our comprehensive overview; for more information on the Covid-19 coronavirus, see the North American Centers for Disease Control, the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, or the World Health Organization.