Concerns over the recent coronavirus outbreak have officially claimed the biggest stage in gaming. The ESA recently confirmed that E3 2020 has been cancelled, which leaves several developers left to their own devices when it comes to revealing and announcing what is to come. That said, studios are beginning to roll out their announcements regarding the cancellation of this year’s E3, noting that they are looking into providing something along the lines of a digital experience for all to enjoy.
E3 has always been an important moment for Team Xbox. Given this decision, this year we’ll celebrate the next generation of gaming with the @Xbox community and all who love to play via an Xbox digital event. Details on timing and more in the coming weeks https://t.co/xckMKBPf9h
— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) March 11, 2020
Microsoft has already confirmed that they will be holding an Xbox digital event, with more details set to arrive in the coming weeks. Ubisoft has assured fans that they are “exploring other options for a digital experience that will allow us to share all the exciting news we have planned,” while Limited Run Games has confirmed that their “totally-live” press conference will go on as planned.
An update regarding E3 2020. pic.twitter.com/cThkDIkfVm
— Ubisoft (@Ubisoft) March 11, 2020
#E3Cancelled, but the show must go on!
Join us for #LRG3, our third totally-live, totally-bitchin press conference for the biggest announcements in the future of physical video games: June 8th at 3pm ET on https://t.co/vzY9JjjJzs. pic.twitter.com/HbfCN6w13W
— Limited Run Games (@LimitedRunGames) March 11, 2020
In their official announcement, the ESA noted that they will also be “exploring options” to provide fans with a digital E3 experience in June. We can be all but certain that Nintendo will provide their usual Direct presentation, as they were confirmed to be in attendance at this year’s expo. WB Games was reportedly going to hold their first press conference at E3 2020, showing off a new Batman title, the next game from Rocksteady Studios, and a Harry Potter game, but it remains to be seen what will come of that.
It might be safe to say that many studios will be taking the Nintendo Direct approach and condensing several announcements, gameplay, and reveals into a digital presentation this year, which can easily be streamed on the likes of YouTube, Twitch, and more. Whether this will all fall under the E3 umbrella is unknown at this time, but more details will surely be revealed in the coming weeks.
