Electronic Arts (EA) has become the latest company to withdraw from the upcoming Game Developers Conference.

Image Source/ Bang Showbiz

The event is scheduled to run from March 16 through to March 20 in San Francisco, but a number of high-profile gaming companies have already pulled out – and EA has followed suit.

The firm has confirmed it has withdrawn from the event due to ongoing fears surrounding the coronavirus, with the likes of PlayStation and Kojima Productions having previously pulled out.

A statement from EA – which is behind the popular ‘FIFA’ gaming franchise – told GameSpot:

“Having closely followed the global situation with coronavirus and with the recent escalation of cases in new regions, we have decided to take additional steps to protect the wellbeing of our employees including the restriction of all non-essential travel.

“As a result we are also cancelling our official participation at Game Developers Conference and limiting attendance to other events. We are continuing to monitor the situation and will adjust guidelines to our employees as we feel is appropriate.”

Alex Sherer, an ad product development specialist at EA, has also discussed the company’s decision in a LinkedIn post.

Alex shared:

“Just received word from corporate, and EA will be limiting our presence at GDC, cancelling our participation in official GDC events, and all EA employees have been advised to not travel to San Francisco for the conference.”