E3 2020 Is Officially Canceled Due to Coronavirus Concerns

For the first time since 1995, the Electronic Entertainment Expo, or E3 as it's known, will not go on in Los Angeles this June. The decision was officially announced this morning citing growing concerns over coronavirus.

The full statement on the E3 Expo website expands on this further, stating that the the increased concerns over COVID-19, or coronavirus, it was best to cancel the event as it was the "best way to proceed during such an unprecedented global situation."

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.

The expo will be offerring exhbitors and attendees information on how to receive a full refund of their attendance fees. 

E3 is also looking into the possibility of still hosting some sort of digital event in order to still bring to light the announcements and news that would typically filter out of the Los Angeles convention center. Phil Spencer, the Head of Xbox, tweeted this morning stating that Microsoft is already working on a solution to their normal E3 Press Conference.

This news comes on the heels of multiple countries dealingg with the outbreak, most notably Italy which has gone into full lockdown. Today, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus a "global pandemic." Expect to see more events shutterred across all industries as fears of the spread of the disease start to trump the money to be made.