E3 Cancelled Due to COVID-19 Concerns

[Bobby Barrows]

E3 2020 Canceled

After sources suggested as much, the ESA has officially canceled this year's E3 due to the coronavirus.

www.gamespot.com

E3 2020 has officially been canceled. The ESA, which is responsible for putting on the annual convention, shared the news today following several reports, including GameSpot's, that such an announcement was imminent. In its place, companies like Xbox and Ubisoft are already making plans to hold digital events, although details and dates are still sparse.

"After careful consultation with our member companies regarding the health and safety of everyone in our industry--our fans, our employees, our exhibitors and our longtime E3 partners--we have made the difficult decision to cancel E3 2020, scheduled for June 9-11 in Los Angeles," the ESA said in a statement.

"Following increased and overwhelming concerns about the COVID-19 virus, we felt this was the best way to proceed during such an unprecedented global situation. We are very disappointed that we are unable to hold this event for our fans and supporters. But we know it’s the right decision based on the information we have today."

The ESA went on to say it would be in touch with both exhibitors and attendees regarding "full refunds." Additionally, it says it is "exploring options with our members to coordinate an online experience to showcase industry announcements and news in June 2020." No further details have been shared on that front as of yet, but it did also confirm that plans for E3 2021 will move ahead "as a reimagined event that brings fans, media and the industry together in a showcase that celebrates the global video game industry."

Xbox, Ubisoft, and Limited Run Games have confirmed plans to either explore or host their own digital events. Limited Run will still host a press conference on June 8 as previously scheduled.

Yo what the fuck, this is bullshit.

 

[Chris]

Digital events would work just fine for this IMO, so it's not a big loss to me. I'm also not as big into video games as some of you though, so that could be why as well

Does seem really early though, but I mean better than the Houston Rodeo canceling a few days in after everyone was already there and spent money

 

[Necro]

Some of this is pretty extreme. My thoughts are people who are at risk should possibly try to self quarantine, or at least stay away from large groups of people like this. I do think this is very serious and is being underplayed in a way, but at the same time stuff like this is going too far for me.

 

[Deezy]

Maybe people should just wash their hands and face multiple times a day and stop acting like pussies.