E3 2020 officially cancelled over coronavirus fears
This year's E3 will not take place due to the ongoing spread of coronavirus.
Update: Following this morning's report, E3 organiser the ESA has confirmed that this year's show will not take place. The ESA is instead "exploring options" about a potential online-only event.
The ESA's full statement below.
"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."
You'll find the original story below.
Original story: The cancellation will be officially announced at 9:30am Los Angeles time, according to a report from Ars Technica.
Show organiser The ESA has sent out a note to members of the Entertainment Software Association in the US indicating that it may produce an online event during the summer.
Publisher Devolver Digital, one of the few companies that had committed to E3 2020, hinted the show was going to be cancelled late last night.
E3 2020 was already looking doubtful after publishers and the media showed a lack of support for this year's event. Sony PlayStation once again decided to stay away from the show, regular media partner Geoff Keighley announced he would not be working with The ESA. Last week, retail and production partner iam8bit also dropped out.
The cancellation of E3 2020 follows the postponement of GDC and other events including EVE Fanfest and the Taipei Game Show.
California announced a State of Emergency recently, adding to the problems for The ESA.