IT News Africa previously reported on the supposed cancellation of the Electronic Entertainment Expo – E3 – for 2020, with many publications stating that companies close to the event were in the process of pulling out as the cancellation announcements were soon expected.
Not a few hours after the article was posted, E3 released a statement confirming the massive gaming and entertainment expo was officially cancelled.
“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,” reads the statement on the event’s official website.
“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 event scheduled for 9 – 11 June in the Los Angeles Convention Center has been ongoing since 1995. This is the event’s first-ever cancellation in its 25-year history. 2020’s event was slated by the Expo to have its largest-ever line-up of video game power-houses with companies like Nintendo, Ubisoft, Bethesda, and others ready to announce their latest and greatest titles.
Microsoft was expected to release new information about their next-generation console the Xbox Series X at the event including official retail prices. Sony opted out of last year’s event and was not slated for E3 2020.
The expo organizers suggest that they are going to go forward with plans to coordinate online exhibit experiences with members in order to allow for the showcasing of major industry news announcements. Whether this will include plans from Microsoft and the larger companies are yet unknown.
Popular publisher Devolver Digital is already considering running their own Livestream to make their announcements in place of E3’s stage.
“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.”
The expo is reaching out directly to attendees and exhibitors to provide full refunds.
E3 will join no less than 10 other major international tech events to be cancelled due to fears about the novel coronavirus and its spread. Vox reports that losses expected from cancelling events like E3, SXSW and the MWC are already exceeding $1 billion.
