Top Japanese publishers shield their development teams from infection by restricting attendance to E3, taking place in LA next month.

This story has become a favourite of ours as it has developed in recent weeks. First of all Keiji Inafune of Capcom was pulled last minute from a Nordic Game session, due to take place on the 19-20 May. Now Capcom is protecting its teams working on, among others, Dead Rising 2, by abandoning the biggest show of the year E3. Not only that but teams from Square Enix (Final Fantasy) and KOEI (Dynasty Warriors) are also now staying home. And it’s all down to fear of catching Swine Flu.

Dead Rising 2 was expected to be one of the E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo) highlights but is now off the board. And who knows what Square Enix had planned, given that Final Fantasy XIII is said to be the biggest game in company history.

The Japanese government has been advising its people to avoid international travel since the outbreak of swine flu. This has led to Japanese companies, including those making videogames, introducing corporate policies restricting trips overseas.

E3 takes place from 2-4 June. We hope there's still plenty to write home about.