The Coronavirus has possibly claimed another victim, in terms of public events. According to multiple different insider sources, this year's E3 has been canceled, of course, due to the outbreak of COVID-19. As is the case with previous E3's, they take place yearly in Los Angeles, one of the United States' largest cities, which is currently in a state of emergency due to the virus. Rumors were further fueled by developer Devolver Digital stating on Twitter for people to "cancel your E3 flights and hotels, y'all". Should an official cancellation of E3 happen in the coming hours or days, this would mean companies would need to adjust their scheduled announcements, or take things digital, much like Nintendo already does. At this time, E3 2020 is still set for June 9-11, at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

UPDATE: In an email made to press attending the event, the ESA formally announced the cancellation of this year's E3.

WASHINGTON – MARCH 11, 2020 – 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.

For vendors and companies that purchased booth space for the event, the ESA will be refunding those who request it. As for the event itself, industry leaders are in talks of trying to organize a possible digital showing in place of E3, though nothing is confirmed just yet. Next year's E3 is still scheduled to take place, in June of 2021.

 

[Silent_Gunner]

For as long as I can remember, going back to being a little kid, E3 was like Christmas in Summer. I was always super excited to find out about the next installments in my favorite series. It always made me happy when Shigeru showed up.

I hope E3 comes back next year. Maybe they can just do the whole thing livestreamed this time.

Yo, you met the man, the myth, the legend himself!?

--------------------- MERGED ---------------------------

This is exactly what Stadia and GFN could really pull through for and get people to install their platforms, having the kiosks for new games' demos actually be cloud-hosted. No lines, no backseaters, no awkward rep spewing a sales pitch at you, no concern over god knows how many people have touched that controller with their grubby nubbies, the list goes on. Somebody get me a consulting job somewhere.

 

[leerpsp]

I don't think the Coronavirus is why they are canceling E3 I think its because every one is now doing there own thing thanks to streaming.

 

[Taleweaver]

Hmm...while I wouldn't exactly mourn the loss of E3 (rather the contrary), I should stress that June is some months away. In a situation like this, months is like an eternity in which one of the following could happen:
A. the virus is contained to the degree where the majority/all infected either make it through or die of it, in both cases stopping them from being infectuous
B. an (affordable) vaccin or cure is found, which drastically pushes back the impact
C. the virus is so widespread that blockades become useless

That latter might seem like a doomsday scenario, but remember this is still a flu. A severe one, yes, and one that'll wipe out a large chunk of elders, but the far majority of us will make it true.


Okay, okay: it certainly won't help that US has a government with so little credibility that this is a problem in and off itself. But that too shall pass...

 

[MiiJack]

RIP event I never went in person. The surprises are the only thing I thought was worth watching it through. Now it's a surprise the Event is canceled

 

[Bladexdsl]

A. the virus is contained to the degree where the majority/all infected either make it through or die of it, in both cases stopping them from being infectuous
B. an (affordable) vaccin or cure is found, which drastically pushes back the impact
C. the virus is so widespread that blockades become useless

D. the virus mutates turning people into zombies and were all fucked

 

[Silent_Gunner]

D. the virus mutates turning people into zombies and were all fucked

E. The virus is from the Maruhage Empire run by Tsuru Tsurulina IV, which causes everyone to go bald.

This is part of a premise for a TV show. No LSD Joe Rogan ever could do would probably give him such an absurd idea!

 

[retrofan_k]

might as well. E3 is dead in the water anyway.

 

[Bladexdsl]

E3 hasn't been good in years just get rid of it. the day of the big show event are over it's all digital now.

 

[Jayro]

No thanks, it's not until June, so keep it open.

 

[FGFlann]

And nothing of value was lost.

 

[Taleweaver]

D. the virus mutates turning people into zombies and were all fucked

What do you mean? I've seen shaun of the dead, world war Z, zombieland and a slew of other zombie movies. I've also had more than a few zombie survival games under my belt. Bring it on!

*virus is already in the air he breathes*
Damn...now how do I reload my previous savegame in real life?

 

[Bimmel]

Wesker! You monster!

Gotta punch some rocks .

 

[NoNAND]

Big YAY!

 

[DANTENDO]

Big YAY!

Why do people like you join game sites

 

[Vila_]

I was kinda looking forward to E3, although most people hate it watching a livestream will never be the same as waiting 3h to play a smash bros ultimate demo...

 

[regnad]

Let us cancel everything! Even work and school.....

As a school teacher in Japan, both have been cancelled for me! I've been wearing pajamas for two weeks!

 

[eyeliner]

As a school teacher in Japan, both have been cancelled for me! I've been wearing pajamas for two weeks!

Buy you change undies? I don't think that wearing the same thing for two weeks is comfortable.

 

[cracker]

COVID-19 is a hoax brought on by Big Electronics to hope everyone forgets about the massive personal info leak!

 

[Nobody_Important4u]

At this point it's just panicking.

 

[m_babble]

i don't know what to say anymore.... this is like the SARS outbreak but way worse.... there fucking closing event's EVERYWHERE!!

Yeah. This really sucks. I'm a freelancer in the events industry and we're all hurting right now.