Field Level Media - Professional sports content solutions | FLM

The Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) has been canceled due to safety concerns stemming from the outbreak of the coronavirus.

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

“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,” show organizer Entertainment Software Association said in a statement Wednesday.

“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.”

Over the past few months, companies, key figures and exhibitors have been dropping out of E3 due to health concerns. A few of those include Sony, E3 host and producer Geoff Keighley and iam8bit, the latter of which was the 2020 E3 showfloor creative team.

The coronavirus has caused the cancelation of several esports events, including Overwatch League homesteads in China and Europe.

CNN reported on Wednesday morning that the novel coronavirus has infected more than 115,800 people — including at least 1,000 in the United States — and killed over 4,200 worldwide.

–Field Level Media (@FieldLevelMedia)