E3 2020 cancelled, Microsoft and Ubisoft exploring other options

Coronavirus has been hitting the tech industry and it is hitting hard. Many events including GDC and SXSW have been cancelled and now gaming’s biggest event, E3 2020 stands cancelled.  

The organisers of the tournament, ESA had announced last week that they were “evaluating” the event as the city of Los Angeles, the place where E3 2020 was to be held, had declared a health emergency due to Coronavirus. Now they have announced that event will officially be cancelled. As per the announcement, they don’t seem to have received any official instructions from the government, as in the case of IEM Katowice, but had cancelled the event due to “increased and overwhelming concerns about the COVID-19 virus.” The official statement reads: 

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. 

Following the announcement, Phil Spencer, VP of gaming at Microsoft had tweeted that they would be holding a digital event for Xbox and next gen gaming. 

E3 has always been an important moment for Team Xbox. Given this decision, this year we'll celebrate the next generation of gaming with the @Xbox community and all who love to play via an Xbox digital event. Details on timing and more in the coming weeks https://t.co/xckMKBPf9h

— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) March 11, 2020

Ubisoft made a similar tweet, saying that they are “exploring other options.” 

An update regarding E3 2020. pic.twitter.com/cThkDIkfVm

— Ubisoft (@Ubisoft) March 11, 2020