It looks like the cancelation parade continues marching down Main Street. Growing concerns over the Coronavirus pandemic have resulted in E3 2020 being the latest major event to be canceled.
The announcement was made by various outlets before being ultimately confirmed by the Entertainment Software Association, or the ESA. The body responsible for putting together the annual convention. With this announcement being made, companies such as XBOX and Ubisoft are already making alternate plans to hold digital events.
In a statement, the ESA released this quote:
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.
The Future of E3 Will Be “Reimagined”
ESA went on to say that it will be in touch with exhibitors and attendees regarding full refunds. The company also says it’s looking into options with their members to coordinate an online experience that will take place in June 2020.
No further details have been shared on that front, however it’s also confirmed that next year’s E3 convention 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.”
It seems more and more events continue to air on the side of caution by cancelling events such as E3 and South By Southwest. Stay with The Illuminerdi for more news and exclusives.
