Update:
The ESA has officially canceled E3, and is currently looking at putting together an online version of the show in June.
Here is the organization’s official statement:
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.
Original Story:
Ars Technica is reporting through multiple sources that the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) will cancel this year’s E3 trade show in Los Angeles.
The website was informed last night, and shortly after Ars was tipped off publisher Devolver tweeted: “Cancel your E3 Flights and hotels, y’all.”
Later, Bloomberg ran a story that included that the official cancelation announcement from the ESA will happen today, March 11, at 9:30 a.m. Pacific according to “a person familiar with the matter.”
Bloomberg is further reporting that the ESA has sent a private memo to partners that says it is considering holding E3 as an online event this summer.
If E3 is indeed canceled, it would be the latest domino to fall in a chain of events created by the coronavirus that has caused game delays, companies sending workers home, and the postponement of GDC from this month, among other disruptions.