E3 2020 has been canceled

Update: The ESA has announced that E3 has officially been canceled. Here’s their statement, first reported by GameSpot:

“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.”

Original Post:

E3 2020 has officially been canceled, according to multiple reports from game developers and Bloomberg News. Bloomberg News reports that The ESA, the organizers behind E3, will officially announce the news at 9:30AM PT on March 11.

The cancelation comes due to the fast spread of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) that is resulting in more and more cases every single day in the US and around the world.

E3 usually is packed with thousands of members each day at the LA Convention Center, which would pose a possible threat for the spread of the virus.

The news comes as many events have been canceled over the past few weeks, including big esports events like League of Legends MSI, Apex Major, and has impacted sporting events and other gaming conventions like the GDC.

With E3 canceled, there’s probably going to be online/digital press conferences from publishers and companies to share their latest gaming news to fans. 2020 is still a big year for gaming with the expected launch of PS5 and Xbox Series X this holiday, although the coronavirus could affect those plans.

Activision has been to many E3s over the years with large booths, but have opted out of E3 some years including in 2016 and 2019.