Electronic Entertainment Expo or E3 2020, the biggest gaming event of the world has been cancelled, to the disappointment of gaming fans and supporters. However, it has a good reason following the coronavirus outbreak. Canceling the event will ensure the safety of every one given that COVID-19 is easily spread in various ways.
But organizers are looking for ways to push through with the event despite not having an actual gathering. ESA wrote in a private memo released to their partners that they are looking at other options for an online E3 2020 event. This is a good alternative, especially that the participants are also staying at home to protect themselves from the virus.
In a statement, the ESA said, "We are very disappointed that we are unable to hold this event for our fans and supporters. We know it's the right decision based on the information we have today."
The group also said that they would reach out to exhibitors and attendees with information about how they can get a full refund.
"We are also exploring options with our members to coordinate an online experience to showcase industry announcements and news in June 2020. Updates will be shared on E3expo.com," ESA added.
Because of the E3 2020 cancellation, Xbox boss Phil Spencer said that Microsoft is planning to conduct its own "Xbox digital event" in lieu of E2 2020. On the other hand, Ubisoft also announced that it considering other available options that will allow the video game company to share all exciting news, which they are supposed to announce in the event.
Gaming enthusiasts are aware that this event unveils many interesting announcements like new games, new consoles, and other updates. However, it will no longer concern the best online casino with live dealers since it is handled by different companies who may not be a partner of ESA. Online casinos can easily be accessed through web browsers of apps. But it is not yet known if there is a new update regarding this niche.
Reactions of the cancellation
Following the announcement of E3's cancellation, there has been a mix of reactions from fans. Others are sad and disappointed while there are some who feel relieved that they won't be exposing themselves to coronavirus really soon. Losing E3 is like missing out the chance to connect with other people from the gaming industry and to meet new friends and expand their community.
Developers and publishers of E3 2020 also made their respective announcements while promising fans that they will continue showing off their supposed-presentation during the event. Still, others are expressing their sympathy for those who worked hard in preparing for E3, only to end up getting cancelled.
Meanwhile, a netizen expressed on Twitter that he is not worried about the cancellation. But another Twitter user said that he is sand over the cancellation despite a very reasonable cause. Other fans are not surprised that this happened because the government bans huge gatherings, which may be the cause of more virus spread.
Other big events cancelled
Apart from E3, other big gatherings were also postponed like Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2020, Emerald City Comic Con, and others. Non-gaming related events like Coachella and concerts of big stars like Celine Dion are also cancelled due to the same reason.
E3 2020 was supposed to take place on June 9 to 11, despite the absence of many key players. But the current situation of the coronavirus will not allow this to push through. Although it is cancelled, ESA will still conduct the event next year.
The coronavirus pandemic
Coronavirus, which originated in Wuha, China, has spread outside the country. The number of death tolls and infections is growing each day, which worries global leaders for fear that their constituents will succumb because of the virus. Thousands of people are getting free tests to determine if they are affected. Those with milder symptoms may stay at home and fight the virus by doing simple things. There had been accounts that, despite being home quarantined, they managed to defeat the virus.
After over two months, World Health Organization (WHO) has officially announced that coronavirus has become a pandemic. WHO Director-General TedrosAdhanomGhebreyesus said that now that the pandemic alarm has been raised all over the world. He also urges that people stay informed about the virus and that they protect one another in combating a common threat.
A pandemic means disease has spread in different countries across continents in the world, all at the same time. Statistics reveal that the novel coronavirus has killed more than 4,200 worldwide and has infected more than 118,000.
