Right now, there are reports all over the internet that E3 2020 is going to be axed. Indie publisher Devolver Digital – responsible for titles like Hotline Miami and My Friend Pedro – seemingly started it, when it told everyone (via Twitter) to cancel their E3 flights and hotels.
Kotaku News Editor Jason Schreier added to this, stating how he had heard “secondhand whispers” from several publishers and developers that the annual expo had been cancelled. He followed it up with this tweet:
Heard from two people that E3 cancellation will be announced tomorrow AM (both secondhand), and one person w/ ESA ties who insists that it won’t be. Normally I sit on conflicting info until I sort out what’s true, but with E3 rumors now everywhere, figured I’d be transparent here
Author and Video Game Biz Journalist Mike Futter said a cancellation announcement would be taking place tomorrow (thanks, Siliconera):
My day started with investigating some E3 stuff. Ended with multiple (and I mean MULTIPLE) sources coming my way. E3 cancelation announcement scheduled for tmw AM. I don’t think it will hold the night. Many of us have been engaged by sources this evening. Cancel your plans.
Update – Wed 11th Mar, 2020 06:45 GMT: Bloomberg seems to have narrowed down the exact time this will take place.
The cancellation is planned to be announced at 9:30 am Los Angeles time on March 11 by the Entertainment Software Association, according to a person familiar with the matter.
If you’re wondering why this event is being cancelled, it’s believed to be linked to the coronavirus outbreak – officially known as COVID-19. There’s also speculation that it’s tied to companies pulling out and industry faces like Geoff Keighley going separate ways, due to the event’s “fan, media, and influencer” overhaul.
When we find out more, we’ll be sure to let you know.