The Entertainment Software Association announced Wednesday that E3, the long-running gaming convention in Los Angeles, has been canceled because of the threat of the coronavirus. This would have been the 25th year of the convention.
"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," the ESA said in a statement.
The E3 team is devastated to share this news. This decision was not reached lightly, but it is the right one for the health and safety of all involved. Read our statement here: https://t.co/1uOWxTerN9 pic.twitter.com/gD2IxNACLX
— E3 (@E3) March 11, 2020
Refunds for spectators and exhibitors will be issued.
In the statement, the ESA said that canceling E3 was the best decision 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 ESA release said.
The ESA said it is looking at options to showcase industry announcements via an online experience in June.