E3 2020 has officially been canceled due to coronavirus concerns
Following a number of rumors last night, the Entertainment Software Association has officially announced that E3 2020 has been canceled.
“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 statement went on to say that the ESA is now looking into holding an “online experience” in June 2020 and that attendees and exhibitors are being contacted regarding “full refunds.”
“We thank everyone who shared their views on reimagining E3 this year,” the ESA added. “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.”
Earlier this month, organizers of the Game Developers Conference announced that they were postponing the event for a similar reason. The current plan is to host a GDC event in the summer instead.
Matt is one of the longest-serving members of the EGMNOW team. An ability to go many hours without sleep and a quick wit make him ideal for his role as associate editor at EGMNOW.com. He often thinks back to the days when the very idea of this career seemed like nothing but an impossible dream.
