New York Comic Con 2020 will be an all-digital event with live YouTube panels.

NYCC and ReedPop announced that what is usually a massive in-person event held at the Javits Center in New York City will instead be digital this year as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The event will still take place in October this year, but instead of watching panels in exhibition halls at the center, panels will be held live on YouTube.

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“NYCC doesn’t just stop because we can’t do what we’ve done in the past,” the company said in a statement. “Instead, we look to the future: We may not be meeting in the queue hall each morning, but we’re excited to join forces with our sister event, MCM Comic Con in London, to bring you New York Comic Con’s Metaverse, our new online portal dedicated to delivering pop culture experiences, right into your homes NYCC weekend, October 8-11.”

This news comes as no surprise as many of the year’s largest con experiences have moved to all-digital if not cancelled altogether. NYCC said it is partnering with YouTube to bring to fans four days of “incredible content from the biggest studios, publishers and creators in the business.” Future information about panel guests, exhibitor profiles and more will be available here.

Alongside panels will be publisher and retailer roundtables, networking opportunities, digital courses, and educational opportunities for educators.

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“We can’t thank you enough for how supportive and understanding you’ve all been as we’ve cancelled nearly all our ReedPop events this year,” the company said. “It’s been amazing to see the community turn out, time and time again, in support of our exhibitors and creators. The loss of virtually all conventions in 2020 has leveled a devastating blow on their businesses. We know a lot of you are fans of their work yourselves, and we ask that you continue to support them.”

NYCC encourages people to check out the content of Emerald City Comic Con, Keystone Comic Con, Florida Supercon and MCM Comic Con Manchester in the meantime. Be sure to catch up on the biggest announcements from IGN’s Comic-Con@Home 2020 show too. Here are some ways to help and stay safe during the coronavirus pandemic.

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Wesley LeBlanc is a freelance news writer and guide maker for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @LeBlancWes.

Source: IGN.com New York Comic Con 2020 Will Go Digital With Live YouTube Panels