E3 2020 is officially cancelled. The Entertainment Software Association pulled the plug over concerns relating to the coronavirus outbreak.
The ESA will explore other avenues for replacing the show, including the possibility of an “online experience.”
The full statement from the ESA, available on the E3 website, reads:
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.
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.
Our team will be reaching out directly to exhibitors and attendees with information about providing full refunds.
We are also exploring options with our members to coordinate an online experience to showcase industry announcements and news in June 2020. Updates will be shared on E3Expo.com.
We thank everyone who shared their views on reimagining E3 this year. We look forward to bringing you E3 2021 as a reimagined event that brings fans, media, and the industry together in a showcase that celebrates the global video game industry.
E3’s cancellation comes in a fortnight filled with high profile event cancellations. GDC was among the first gaming events to cancel its plans. Taipei Game Show and even South by Southwest then followed suit.
The show is still one of the biggest dates in the games industry calendar. Its loss represents a significant blow to the industry in a very important year. While PlayStation had pulled out of the event earlier this year, Microsoft was still planning a giant showcase of their new Xbox Series X console.
