The Entertainment Software Association has announced E3 2020 will not be held as planned, as the trade show has been canceled due to COVID-19 coronavirus concerns. Instead, the ESA confirmed that there will be an online means of conveying information and experiences that would have originally appeared at the show, and refunds will be issued. This will mark the first time an E3 has been canceled since the show began in 1995.
Here is the ESA’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.
E3 2020 cancellation rumors first appeared on the evening of March 10, 2020. It began with Devolver Digital tweet that read, “Cancel your E3 flights and hotels, y’all.” Multiple sources appeared throughout the evening suggesting sources had confirmed it would not run as planned and the ESA would officially make an announcement on March 11, 2020. Previously, the ESA had issued a statement that noted it would be watching the progress of COVID-19 and said, “We will continue to be vigilant, as our first priority is the health, wellness and safety of all of our exhibitors and attendees.”
E3 2020 is one of many spring and summer 2020 events canceled as a result of fears about potentially spreading the coronavirus. GDC 2020 was postponed, with the organizers turning to online presentations instead. BitSummit 2020 was also delayed. Other events, like the SNK World Championship Grand Final and Pokemon GO Safari Zone event, were postponed as a precaution. Microsoft and Nintendo of America are even having employees work from home.
E3 2020 was supposed to be held between June 9-11, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. E3 2021 will run in June 2021.
[Image Source: The ESA]
