[Update: This article's headline has been changed from the original, EA Play Delayed By Publisher Over BLM Protests Without Mentioning Them, to emphasize that EA had previously expressed their for the movement in a previous official statement and that the reason behind this scheduling change was therefore implied.]
Electronic Arts has delayed its forthcoming EA Play event in the wake of Black Lives Matter (BLM) protests, pushing them back a week. The US has been witnessing nationwide protests lately, aimed at curbing the rampant racial discrimination prevalent in certain sections of their society. The political action was kickstarted by the on-tape murder of George Floyd by a group of Minneapolis policemen, leading to peaceful protests, a reactionary wave of further police brutality, and - now - rioting.
While some brands have maintained a neutral ground and refused to comment on the situation, a large portion of the gaming industry has come forward to racial equity in the US. Most noteworthy was notoriously high GTA Online profits.
In a tweet, coronavirus pandemic.
Though it may seem surprising that the announcement doesn't directly mention the BLM protests, only an implication of them, the publisher had already previously expressed its outrage over US racial inequality, spoken out against police brutality, and shown solidarity with its players and affected communities in a recent Activision Blizzard was called out for having tweeted in of the BLM protests when it advocated for an eerie silence during last year's Honk Kong protests, even banning players in of Hong Kong's independence to ensure it wouldn't upset Chinese players or anger China's authoritarian government.
Although EA's weeklong delay of EA Play didn't announce its reasoning directly, there's no question that even the hugest of companies can stand with protesters to fight for the societal change they all believe in. Having pledged massive amounts of funds to suitable charities, theirs and other cooperating company's cooperation and transparency is crucial right now. If their customers can become more aware of greater issues through moves like these, they can change their outlook and behaviors, and that's more than half the battle.
Source: EA/Twitter, EA
