E3 2020 was an event we were all looking forward to. Sure thing, Sony will not be there, however Microsoft, Devolver and Ubisoft were still planning to hold their annual press conferences. However, it appears that this won’t happen this year as ESA will most likely cancel the event.

The reason behind this cancellation is obvious. Coronavirus. Similarly to GTC 2020, E3 2020 will be most likely cancelled. According to reports, an official announcement will be coming tomorrow.

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.

— Mike Futter (@Futterish) March 11, 2020

Kotaku’s Jason Schreier is also reporting similar news. From the looks of it, ESA is still consulting with publishers regarding this event. Still, it appears that it’s a matter of time until ESA cancels this year’s E3 event.

Been hearing secondhand whispers tonight from several devs/pubs that E3 is cancelled, although I've also heard from a couple of people in positions to know that the ESA hasn't officially made a decision yet and is still consulting with pubs. Either way, it's only a matter of time https://t.co/Od0MDj3ZXv

— Jason Schreier (@jasonschreier) March 11, 2020

E3 2020 would have been a pretty important gaming event, as Microsoft was planning to reveal the next Xbox console. Furthermore, we’d be getting our first glimpse at some next-gen games. Not only that, but there were rumours about the next Batman and the next Harry Potter game being unveiled during that event.

It will be interesting to see what publishers will do now. When will they announce their new games? Will they wait for Gamescom 2020?

UPDATE:

ESA has officially cancelled E3 2020.

“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.”