E3, the annual event showcasing the latest game developers have to offer has been cancelled in full for 2022. Due to the pandemic, the last few years have seen E3 struggle, with a complete cancellation occurring in 2020, and an online event for 2021.
Previously, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) had announced that E3 would not be held in person for 2022, alluding to the idea that it would likely be held as an online livestream event. However, in a statement to GamesBeat, the ESA confirmed that the event would not be held at all.
“We previously announced that E3 would not be held in person in 2022 due to the ongoing health risks surrounding COVID-19. Today, we announce that there will also be no digital E3 showcase in 2022.”
The iconic “You’re breath-taking” moment with Keanu Reeves at the Cyberpunk 2077 presentation at E3 2019.
Credit: Casey Rodgers/Invision/AP/Shutterstock
While this news will obviously frustrate developers and gamers alike, the ESA stress that they intend to dedicate all their energy to E3 2023, and plan to revitalize it and make it new and exciting.
“Instead, we will devote all our energy and resources to delivering a revitalized physical and digital E3 experience next summer. 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.”
However, developers and publishers are starting to look elsewhere other than E3. Last year at the announcement of an online event, many declined to participate and instead took part in Geoff Keighley’s Summer Game Fest initiative.
At the news of E3 2022’s cancellation, Keighley retweeted the Summer Game Fest details with a simple winking emoji.
https://twitter.com/geoffkeighley/status/1509599199360258051
