Oculus Connect 7 switches to a virtual format as a result of Coronavirus.
Facebook has confirmed its upcoming Oculus Connect 7 developer conference will be switching to a digital format this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.
In a blog update posted to the Oculus website, the company states that in order to ensure the safety of the staff, developers, and attendees, OC7 will be switching to a digital format in lieu of the standard in-person event held in San Jose, California.
Every year, Oculus Connect brings together developers, content creators, marketers, and more to celebrate the VR industry’s momentum and growth. In light of the evolving public health risks related to COVID-19, we’ve decided to shift Oculus Connect 7 to a digital format later this year.
This was a tough decision to make, but we need to prioritize the health and safety of our developer partners, employees, and everyone involved in OC7. Oculus Connect gives us an unprecedented opportunity to connect with our global developer community. OC7 will be no exception, and we look forward to sharing more details about the digital event in the coming months.
We remain committed to the city of San Jose, where we’ve hosted Oculus Connect in the past, and its community. As was done for F8, we’ll donate $500,000 and will prioritize organizations serving local San Jose residents.
Thanks for your patience and understanding. We’re excited to help the VR community come together in a digital format with OC7.
In a tweet accompanying the blog post, Oculus promises “tons of exciting announcements” as part of the digital event, though refuses to deliver any hints as to what we can expect. I’m not much of a betting man, but if I were, I’d wager we’ll be receiving a long-awaited update on Facebook Horizons. Originally revealed during OC6, Facebook promised players an early 2020 beta; so far we’ve yet to receive any new updates. Honestly, I can’t think of a better time for the launch of an all-encompassing immersive social platform than in the middle of a global pandemic.
Facebook promises additional information on Oculus Connect 7 in the coming months.
Image Credit: Facebook
