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.

 

[Deleted User]

E3 is something i look forward to every year. I am so tired of all the cancellations. Last night it ruined wwe smackdown. Just now I am trying to watch ufc and I am like why is the crowd so quiet when they announced the fighters and I am like oh there is no crowd. Not much I can do and i totally get the concerns. It’s just gosh i miss the days before cv very much.

 

[AsPika2219]

No medicine... No vaccine... No traditional cure.... Cause everything was DELAYED or CANCELLED....

 

[RyRyIV]

E3 is something i look forward to every year. I am so tired of all the cancellations. Last night it ruined wwe smackdown. Just now I am trying to watch ufc and I am like why is the crowd so quiet when they announced the fighters and I am like oh there is no crowd. Not much I can do and i totally get the concerns. It’s just gosh i miss the days before cv very much.

As much as I get the need to stop the COVID spread, I can't help but agree. So much has been lost already, and so much more is getting cancelled every day. Was heartbroken when they delayed the NBA season. Hope it blows over sooner than projected.

 

[Bladexdsl]

No medicine... No vaccine... No traditional cure

no toilet paper...

 

[WhiteMaze]

no toilet paper...

What the hell is the issue with the toilet paper anyways?

I can understand everyone buying Clorox and disinfectant wipes and germ killing products, but toilet paper??

What is everyone shitting themselves multiple times a day everytime someone mentions COVID-19 on the news?