After months of no updates about the next Electronic Entertainment Expo, famously known as E3, the trade show has been officially canceled by the Entertainment Software Association. In a statement, the ESA promised video game fans that the event will return “with a reinvigorated showcase.”
The status of E3 2022 was first revealed through a post on Twitter from Razer PR lead Will Powers about an email he received delivering the news of the event’s cancellation. This was later confirmed by the ESA through a statement provided to news outlets and posted on its official website.
“We will devote all our energy and resources to delivering a revitalized physical and digital E3 experience next summer,” ESA said.
The organization initially announced in early January that it is not going to host any event with in-person attendance for E3 2022. At the time, the Omicron COVID-19 variant had caused a rapid increase in the number of new cases in the United States and other parts of the world. While the cancellation of the physical event was not surprising, most fans were left hoping that a virtual format of E3 would still take place in June. Unfortunately, that will not be the case.
ESA, however, told fans that it is already looking forward to hosting E3 2023. “Whether enjoyed from the show floor or your favorite devices, the 2023 showcase will bring the community, media, and industry back together in an all-new format and interactive experience,” ESA added. “We look forward to presenting E3 to fans around the world live from Los Angeles in 2023.”
Meanwhile, video game fans will still have something to anticipate this summer. Shortly after ESA confirmed the cancellation of E3 2022, Geoff Keighley told his Twitter followers that the Summer Game Fest will be held in June “with a slate of events.” He added that fans can expect game announcements and first-look trailers at the event.
Excited to share that @SummerGameFest will return this June with a slate of events. We'll be producing another Kickoff Live show with announcements, news and first looks.
— Geoff Keighley (@geoffkeighley) March 31, 2022
Much more to share in the coming weeks, along with some very cool new elements for '22. pic.twitter.com/jjXLG8Xueh
Last week, Ubisoft was also reported to be planning a huge event where the sequel to “Immortal Fenyx Rising” and the rumored “Assassin’s Creed Infinity” could be unveiled. Xbox has also been rumored to host its own summertime showcase in June, where fans will likely see more of “Starfield” ahead of its release on Nov. 11.
Photo by - EMR - from Flickr under Creative Commons license CC BY 2.0
