With the rapidly growing concern of the wide spreading Coronavirus, many expositions, conventions, and events have been cancelled as more cases across the United States continue to heighten. As what many had speculated, the Electronic Software Association has officially confirmed that the Electronic Entertainment Expo will be cancelling its 2020 event. 

"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."

This announcement came around the same time the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 as a global pandemic. Italy's government has placed its citizens on lockdown, restricting leaving the house only to go to work and public gatherings like church services being held outdoors. In Austin, Texas, the 34th annual South by Southwest festival was cancelled after tech companies like Twitter, Tik Tok, and Apple withdrew participation.

While the glow and significance of the show has lost its luster over the years, the cancelling of E3 also delivers a blow to the independent game market. The exposure of exhibitors for indie games and smaller studios who rely on the partnership of the floor show to aim their pitches can possibly be gravely affected by the cancellation of this and other public gaming venues like PAX and the GDC Independent Games Summit, which the latter has been postponed. 

A significant blow to the industry, but it's best for the sake of public safety to take these matters with a high degree of caution.  

SOURCE: Electronic Software Association