So E3's been canceled by the Entertainment Software Association, or ESA.
That's the company that puts on the show.
Anyone wanna guess what happened?
Yeah, it's due to the coronavirus.
Let's look at the official statement.
Following increased and overwhelming concerns about the COVID-19 virus, We thought 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.
The event was originally set to run in June from the ninth to the 11th in Los Angeles in 2019, was attended by around 66,100 people that was down from the 69,200, who attended in 2018.
It's worth noting that E3 has been having issues over the past few years.
It was once an industry only event.
In 2017, the event opened to the public and that netted some mixed results.
Since then the ESA has been trying to strike a balance between staying relevant to the games media.
While keeping fans and would be enthusiast attendees interested.
But it's not just E3 attendants that the ESA has struggled with.
In late 2019, more then 2000 journalist had their contact information leaked Where could somebody find this information?
It was on the ESA website itself.
The spreadsheet with the data was soon after taken down that did not make people thrilled to cover the event nor did instill confidence.
The ESA was taking it professional attendees privacy seriously.
a post on ESA s websites preview iE 320 20 said that the association was collaborating with industry insiders and new creative partners to shake things up.
It would also have surprise guests amazing stage experiences, access to insiders and experiential zones that delight the senses.
That all sounds like the ESA.
Was trying to figure out what to do with filling the holes that major industry players were leaving.
Before the 2020 event was cancelled.
Sony announced it was not coming to a three for the second year in a row.
Sony already gave us this riveting announcement about the PlayStation five at CES.
Look at that logo.
The ESA statement also said it is 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.calm.
Microsoft is already holding a streaming event on March 18.
The company will talk about the Xbox series X and Project xCloud.
All of those announcements were planned for marches Game Developers Conference that also got cancelled.
Phil Spencer posted on Twitter saying, this year we'll celebrate the next generation of gaming with the Xbox community and all who love to play via Xbox digital event.
For a three Nintendo does not do a traditional press conference.
It is one a video showing off what it's working on.
The company does that several times a year under the Nintendo Direct banner.
It looks like the big three do not have that much need for a three to get news out about their products.
But what about other gaming companies?
Warner Brothers was going to hold its first press conference at eat 320 20 it was expected to show off a Harry Potter game and a new Batman game.
Ubisoft published a tweet saying it is exploring other options for a digital experience that will allow us to share all the exciting news we have planned.
So if you love video games, you'll probably still be able to find out about them online.
If you love getting your hands on video games all kinds at the event, that will happen this year.
We've seen larger companies break away from trade shows in the past.
As an example, Samsung used to show off its fanciest stuff at Mobile World Congress, but moved to its own events.
With the loss of the physical conference this year.
Los Angeles misses out on the money E3 would have generated for the city.
It's not just the convention center, but surrounding hotels and restaurants that will miss out on a bump in business brought by E3.
The ESA said, we look forward you to bringing E3 2021 as a reimagined event that brings fans, media, and the industry together in a showcase that celebrates the global video game industry.
Guess we'll have to see what 2021 brings, then.
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