CES 2022 is due to kick off a week from today and yet the list of exhibitors that have decided to withdraw its in-person participation grows. Adding to the list of exhibitors who will not be on the show floor due to the growing number of COVID-19 cases are AMD and MSI.
AMD and MSI now join the likes of Google, Amazon, Meta, Intel, and others who have chosen to not attend CES in person. As confirmed by Tom’s Hardware, AMD provided a statement outlining its decision. MSI, on the other hand, updated its website stating that it would no longer be attending CES 2022.
Through last week and until recently, AMD appeared determined to be on the CES 2022 show floor. As other companies like Microsoft, GM, Nvidia, etc. began dropping out as the landscape of COVID-19 began rapidly changing, AMD appears to stand firm. However, it appears as though a boiling point has been reached. The company stated that it will be transitioning to a virtual presence at the show in “the best interest of the health and safety of our employees, partners and communities.”
“After careful deliberation, AMD has decided to cancel our in-person presence at CES 2022 in Las Vegas and will instead transition to a virtual experience. While the AMD 2022 Product Premiere was always planned as a digital-only livestream, our in-person engagements will now transition to virtual in the best interest of the health and safety of our employees, partners and communities. We look forward to sharing all our exciting news as scheduled on January 4th.”
MSI will also transition and host an online event dubbed Gameverse, covering its latest innovations regarding gaming hardware. Additionally, another event called MSI-Verse will focus on gaming, content creation, and business solutions. In a statement published on its website, the company states:
“Since December, the rapidly spreading Omicron variant has brought the USA a surge of COVID-19 cases. The health and well-being of our employees, customers and fans are our top priority. Hence, we have decided not to participate in-person at CES 2022 and will join the show virtually with our online product launch,” said Sam Chern, MSI Marketing Vice President.
CES organizers have been adamant that the show will continue. In preparation for the event, organizers have implemented COVID-19 health and safety measures including the requirement of all attendees to be fully vaccinated and to wear masks.
