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Game fair E3 cancelled

11.3.2020

Translation: machine translated

Due to the coronavirus, E3 is apparently not taking place this year. The games trade fair has been struggling with dwindling interest for years. It could be the final end for the event.

For the first time in 25 years, E3 will not take place this year. This has been reported by various sources, including the two gaming and tech websites Gamespot and Ars Technica. Previously, publisher Devolver Digital had already called for all E3 plans, flights and hotels to be cancelled via Twitter. An official confirmation from organiser ESA is still pending, but according to Bloomberg, it will follow today at 5:30 p.m.

The main reason for the cancellation of the most important gaming trade fair in Los Angeles is the fear of the coronavirus. E3 was previously regarded as the most important industry event. For years, it has been struggling with declining interest from publishers and game developers. The leak of personal data of registered media representatives, Youtubers and streamers has also not cast the organisers in a good light.

Deathblow for E3

Sony already stayed away from the trade fair in 2019 and had no plans to show up this year either. Microsoft, on the other hand, wanted to use the stage to present the new Xbox Series X. The cancellation of E3 is likely to have a huge impact on the gaming industry. For the trade fair itself, it could very well mean the final end. Once developers and publishers switch to digital, which is likely to be the only solution for most in times of coronavirus, there will be no going back.

It remains to be seen how Sony and Microsoft will unveil their new consoles. I can't imagine that the companies will be satisfied with purely digital events. Before the PS5 and Xbox Series X hit the shops, media representatives need to be able to touch and try them out. It remains to be seen whether Sony and Microsoft will only invite selected media or whether they will organise numerous smaller local events. <p

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Philipp Rüegg

Senior Editor

Philipp.Rueegg@digitecgalaxus.ch

As a child, I wasn't allowed to have any consoles. It was only with the arrival of the family's 486 PC that the magical world of gaming opened up to me. Today, I'm overcompensating accordingly. Only a lack of time and money prevents me from trying out every game there is and decorating my shelf with rare retro consoles.

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