The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has officially canceled Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) and is currently making preparations to make an online version of the show in June.
Here is the organization’s official statement:
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.
This is the first time in 25 years that the ESA has canceled E3 and gone with a live streaming event. Many believe that the ESA is using COVID-19 in order to take a break this year so they can find a way to bring in more people since E3 has slowly been dropping in numbers. With Sony not returning for a second time along with Geoff Keighley and the creative directing company Iam8bit leaving, many assume this year may be the end of E3.
This story will continue to have updates as more information comes to light about what exactly the ESA has planned for this year’s digital E3.