[2022] SWC/HRS 2022: Health & Safety Update

Hey SMITE fans!As most of you are probably aware, the COVID-19 Omicron variant is raging here in the US right now. As I write this, the state of Georgia has 1.4 million confirmed cases since December 20, and it’s just getting worse.

These numbers are pretty concerning with worlds just a day away. Internally we’ve been taking every measure possible to ensure that we can pull off an in-studio SWC while protecting the health & safety of our staff – including stringent testing protocols, updated studio safety protocols, and etc. But before we kick off the event, I did want to touch base with our fans about what to expect from this year’s SWC.

Our #1 goal is to have as much of this year’s world championship happen in-studio as possible. But in order to do that, we’re having to make last-minute changes in various parts of our operations to protect our staff & players and minimize the potential for an outbreak. So as we count down the final hours to worlds, please be aware of the following:

• On Hi-Rez Showcase day, you’ll see that some segments were filmed in-studio and some were filmed from home. This is because we had to pivot on some segments to accommodate for new COVID protocols & minimize exposure risk for essential staff.
• The Worlds Lookback day originally slated for January 6 will see some significant run of show changes so we can minimize potential exposure risk for players & staff ahead of the main bracket kicking off. We’ll be moving up the “Worlds Rewind” content block and airing all past worlds finals on this day instead.
• Some matches in quarterfinals or even semifinals may have to happen from home. We want as many matches as possible to happen in studio; but if a single player on a team tests positive for COVID at any point during the week, they will not be allowed to play in-studio. Our top priority is making sure Grand Finals can happen in-studio, even if it means moving other matches to happen from home.
• There may be last-minute changes to our previously announced commentary team. All talent pieces will be diligently tested ahead of the event, and any positive test will result in last-minute staffing changes.

The Omicron outbreak here in the US is still very much an evolving (and worsening) situation, but we’re doing everything we can to minimize the impact that it has on this year’s World Championship event. All we ask is that you bear with us through any last-minute changes that have to happen to pull this thing off.

As always, I know I speak for all our staff when I say that we appreciate your continued support through this end-of-season stretch, and no matter what happens we’re still super excited to cap off yet another intense year of SPL competition.

See you very soon on the Battleground for SWC 2022!

Hey SMITE fans!As most of you are probably aware, the COVID-19 Omicron variant is raging here in the US right now. As I write this, the state of Georgia has 1.4 million confirmed cases since December 20, and it’s just getting worse.

These numbers are pretty concerning with worlds just a day away. Internally we’ve been taking every measure possible to ensure that we can pull off an in-studio SWC while protecting the health & safety of our staff – including stringent testing protocols, updated studio safety protocols, and etc. But before we kick off the event, I did want to touch base with our fans about what to expect from this year’s SWC.

Our #1 goal is to have as much of this year’s world championship happen in-studio as possible. But in order to do that, we’re having to make last-minute changes in various parts of our operations to protect our staff & players and minimize the potential for an outbreak. So as we count down the final hours to worlds, please be aware of the following:

• On Hi-Rez Showcase day, you’ll see that some segments were filmed in-studio and some were filmed from home. This is because we had to pivot on some segments to accommodate for new COVID protocols & minimize exposure risk for essential staff.
• The Worlds Lookback day originally slated for January 6 will see some significant run of show changes so we can minimize potential exposure risk for players & staff ahead of the main bracket kicking off. We’ll be moving up the “Worlds Rewind” content block and airing all past worlds finals on this day instead.
• Some matches in quarterfinals or even semifinals may have to happen from home. We want as many matches as possible to happen in studio; but if a single player on a team tests positive for COVID at any point during the week, they will not be allowed to play in-studio. Our top priority is making sure Grand Finals can happen in-studio, even if it means moving other matches to happen from home.
• There may be last-minute changes to our previously announced commentary team. All talent pieces will be diligently tested ahead of the event, and any positive test will result in last-minute staffing changes.

The Omicron outbreak here in the US is still very much an evolving (and worsening) situation, but we’re doing everything we can to minimize the impact that it has on this year’s World Championship event. All we ask is that you bear with us through any last-minute changes that have to happen to pull this thing off.

As always, I know I speak for all our staff when I say that we appreciate your continued support through this end-of-season stretch, and no matter what happens we’re still super excited to cap off yet another intense year of SPL competition.

See you very soon on the Battleground for SWC 2022!