While the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) 2020 has been canceled due to coronavirus, organizers are thinking on different alternatives for the show, despite canceling current plans for it. Bloomberg noted the ESA wrote in a private memo despatched to parters yesterday that they are "exploring options for an online E3 event this summer."
In a statement, the ESA said it is exploring options with its members to coordinate an online experience to show off industry announcements and news in June 2020. The employer failed to share any more information about this possible alternative. Still, it says updates on the Electronic Entertainment Expo be posted on the official E3 website.
Other tech giants follow through
Following the information of E3 2020's cancellation, Xbox boss Phil Spencer said that Microsoft eyes holding an "Xbox digital event" in place of its annual E3 press conference. Ubisoft also announced that it is exploring other options that will permit the video game company to share all of the exciting news is planned.
ALSO READ: XBox And Ubisoft to Host Gaming Event Digitally to Make Up With E3's Cancellation
So far, E3 is the only gaming event affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. GDC 2020 was postponed, even as SXSW, Emerald City Comic Con, and different events had been additionally canceled over issues approximately the virus.
E3 2020 is expected to take place from June 9 to 11, even though this year's show would have been missing some of the key players. Despite E3 2020's cancellation, the ESA nonetheless plans to hold the occasion next year.
ALSO READ: The Best (And Worst) Moments In E3 History
Internet reacts to E3's cancellation
Reactions to the news have been swift, coming from all directions. From surprise to sadness, the range of feelings displayed throughout the internet has run the gamut.
The Developers and Publishers
A significant number of developers and publishers have shared their thoughts at the cancellation announcement on Twitter. Many of whom are promising facts inside the coming weeks on how they will reply or show off their previously-planned E3 2020 content. Others are expressing their sympathy for those that could no longer show off their tough paintings for all people to see.
Neil Druckmann, vice president of video game developer Naughty Dog, sympathized with his fellow game developers on his official Twitter account.
"My heart goes out to my fellow devs - especially those who were looking forward to showing off their hard work," he said.
Devolver Digital, an American video game publisher, said that while the team still has a lot to work out, it plans to have a live stream press conference and more.
Stay safe everyone. I’ll just be locked in my house unable to stop touching my face while slowly chipping away at my backlog.️ https://t.co/j03kQLOWrf — Cory Backlog (@corybarlog) March 11, 2020
The Media E3 is a massive undertaking; it's a logistical balancing act for all individuals of the online game industry. It's quite a few meetings, planning, and coordination to brag off and create the content everybody enjoys. E3 is a special time for the media to keep up with friends in the gaming industry. It's a great time to make connections, new friendships, and expand their communities. Losing E3 is like dropping out on a chance to see your pals. Geoff Keighley, producer and creator of The Game Awards, told his fellow gamers on his Twitter account to find new and different ways to come together as a community.
This is really sad news - mostly because there are hundreds (if not 1000s) of people affected by #E3Cancelled - from devs/pubs/sites to food/event service - whose livelihoods will actively suffer because of it. https://t.co/Wxwd80BoSg — JR (@USofJR) March 11, 2020
The Fans
E3 is an occasion this is often referred to as "Gamer Christmas." It's a time of excitement that causes all the suitable little gamers to anxiously sit down around their monitors or TVs, ready to peer what "Gamer Clause" will deliver. Despite the very reasonable cancellation, having that ripped away remains a bitter pill to swallow.
While reports have already circulated that E3 plans to have an online show, one Twitter netizen said he's not worried about the event cancellation.
Another Twitter netizen also expressed his sadness over the cancellation due to coronavirus.
Oh of fucking course it's cancelled. Everything is getting cancelled. I hate this dumbass virus. #E3Cancelled pic.twitter.com/nyuVuIFOKc — lizzie (@spicybeans80) March 11, 2020
