We’ve personally already had many overseas and local events canceled due to the ongoing virus pandemic. Now, even E3 2020 is outright canceled, citing concerns regarding COVID-19.
Following the report by Ars Technica, it states that multiple sources who are close with the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), the organizer of Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), have confirmed that the expo is canceled. However, it is also stated that the ESA was supposed to be making an official statement on Tuesday, March 10th but did not.
E3 also has this update published on its website stating that they’re closely monitoring the situation of the virus. However, this post was published a long time ago and the website still hasn’t been updated with any confirmation about the event being canceled.
Devolver Digital, an indie game publisher, sent out this tweet. It does hint on the fact that E3 is canceled, but did not point any fingers.
While E3 2020 is seemingly confirmed to be canceled, there is no word regarding if the event will instead be delayed or a fully live-streamed event.
Even before any E3 cancelation announcement, there were many big names pulled out of the event too. Sony also pulled out of E3 2020, which is a huge deal as the upcoming PS5 is due to be released by the end of this year.
Confirmed! ESA just updated the E3 Expo website with the announcement
Citing growing concerns of the COVID-19 pandemic, E3 is confirmed to be canceled.
NEWS: E3 2020 CANCELLED DUE TO GROWING CONCERNS OVER COVID-19 VIRUS
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.
