The annual Los Angeles video game conference E3 will skip 2020 as the public’s COVID-19 concerns heighten.
Announced earlier today, the cancellation of E3 2020 comes from the official Twitter account, citing considerations of the “health and safety” of the industry.
The E3 team is devastated to share this news. This decision was not reached lightly, but it is the right one for the health and safety of all involved. Read our statement here: https://t.co/1uOWxTerN9 pic.twitter.com/gD2IxNACLX
— E3 (@E3) March 11, 2020
Every year, fans from around the world tune in live to see livestreamed presentations from video game companies like Nintendo, Microsoft, Ubisoft, and Square Enix. While the proper conference has been canceled, it is possible many of the companies that would have attended will still air prerecorded presentations.
Xbox says they will host a “digital event” to share new info on the next-generation of Xbox versus E3 in person press conference after E3 cancellation. https://t.co/O0lnpq2vor
— Call of Duty News (@charlieINTEL) March 11, 2020
Nintendo has stated they support “the ESA’s decision to cancel this year’s E3” as it will “protect” the well-being and health of all of those in the industry.
Nintendo's response to #E3Cancelled RT @GameSpot https://t.co/PIDQ2i7DcQ pic.twitter.com/XVdX3vyiYc
— Mitchel Clow (@MitchClow) March 11, 2020
E3 was cancelled quite some time ahead of the summer conference.
For reference, @E3 takes place in Los Angeles in June. So this is being cancelled roughly 3 months out. https://t.co/sUNWVbQwXN
— Jeff Eisenband (@JeffEisenband) March 11, 2020
Recently, it was predicted that COVID-19 may delay the releases of both the PlayStation 5 and the Microsoft Xbox Series X consoles, both set to hit store shelves Holiday 2020.
Sony has yet to comment on the E3 2020 cancellation; the entertainment company has already announced that they would not be attending the conference as they believe the show’s “visions” aren’t matching up with Sony’s.
Video games and gaming consoles are nowhere near the focus of the Coronavirus pandemic. Our report is by no means meant to disrespect the risk of life the Coronavirus presents. We remain hopeful that a cure for the Coronavirus will soon be found, regardless of the facets of the entertainment industry it coincidentally affects.
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