The COVID-19 pandemic affected many facets of the gaming world, but the most significant change was the cancellation of Gen Con 2020 as a live event (see "Gen Con Officially Cancelled for 2020 Over COVID-19 Concerns"). In hopes of hosting a live event for Gen Con 2021, they have pushed back their badge registration and event submission until the organizers have better vision on the general social environment for 2021. There are several factors in play as to whether or not the August 5-8 convention dates are feasible, which include local and national safety and travel guidelines, health data, and resource availability, and the organizers are being cautious.
Gen Con organizers will announce the new dates for badge registration and event submission as soon as they become available over the course of the next couple of months.