E3 2020 has officially been canceled. The ESA, the company that organizes the annual gaming showcase, has confirmed it has decided to cancel this year's show over growing concerns regarding the COVID-19 virus. While the expo proper will no longer be taking place, however, the ESA says it is looking into a possible online alternative.

　　In a statement, the ESA said it is "exploring options with our members to coordinate an online experience to showcase industry announcements and news in June 2020." The organization didn't share any more details about this possible alternative, but it says further updates will be posted on the official E3 website.

　　You need a javascript enabled browser to watch videos.

　　Click To Unmute

　　Thompson: The Pop Culture Icon’s Strange Legacy - Loadout

　　Firearms Expert’s FAVORITE Weapons Of 2023State Of Gaming Handhelds In 2023How Lies of P Cracked the Souls GenreLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Ichiban Kasuga Character Spotlight TrailerLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Chitose Fujinomiya Character Spotlight TrailerResident Evil 4 Adds Mercenaries and Microtransactions | GameSpot NewsFallout: New Vegas 2 Rumors Explained | GameSpotApril Xbox Game Pass Games Revealed | GameSpot NewsOver 15 Free Games To Claim In April | GameSpot NewsNew Witcher Game Plans Have Changed | GameSpot NewsElden Ring Death Count Revealed | GameSpot News

　　Share

　　LinkEmbed

　　Size:640 × 360480 × 270

　　Start at: End at: Autoplay Loop

　　Want us to remember this setting for all your devices?

　　Sign up or Sign in now!

　　Please use a html5 video capable browser to watch videos.

　　This video has an invalid file format.

　　00:00:00

　　HTML5

　　Auto HD High Low

　　Report a problem

　　Sorry, but you can't access this content!

Please enter your date of birth to view this video

　　By clicking 'enter', you agree to GameSpot's

　　Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

　　enter

　　Now Playing: E3 2020 Is Officially Canceled - GS News Update

　　Following the news of E3 2020's cancellation, Xbox boss Phil Spencer announced that Microsoft plans to hold an "Xbox digital event" in place of its annual E3 press conference. Ubisoft similarly announced that it is "exploring other options for a digital experience that will allow us to share all the exciting news we have planned."

　　E3 has always been an important moment for Team Xbox. Given this decision, this year we'll celebrate the next generation of gaming with the @Xbox community and all who love to play via an Xbox digital event. Details on timing and more in the coming weeks https://t.co/xckMKBPf9h

　　— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) March 11, 2020

　　E3 is only the latest gaming event to be affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. GDC 2020 was postponed, while SXSW, Emerald City Comic Con, and other events were also canceled over concerns about the virus.

　　E3 2020 was slated to take place from June 9-11, although this year's show would have been missing a number of key players. For the second year running, Sony decided not to attend the event. Geoff Keighley, who has hosted the fan-focused E3 Coliseum showcase since 2017, also backed out of the show for the first time in 25 years, and iam8bit recently announced it resigned from its position as E3 2020's creative directors.

　　Despite E3 2020's cancellation, the ESA still plans to hold the event next year. "We thank everyone who shared their views on reimagining E3 this year. We look forward to bringing you E3 2021 as a reimagined event that brings fans, media, and the industry together in a showcase that celebrates the global video game industry," the organization said. For more, check out our look back at E3's biggest moments.

　　E3 2021 News & Announcements

　　Nintendo Switch OLED Announced, Coming October 8 E3 2021: Schedule, Participants, And What To Expect Xbox & Bethesda E3 Showcase Announcements: Starfield, Halo Infinite, Diablo 2 + Show More E3 2021 News & Announcements Links (4) Nintendo Direct E3 2021 Announcements: Breath Of The Wild 2, Metroid Dread, Advance Wars E3 2021 Games Confirmed So Far Ubisoft Forward E3 2021 Announcements: Far Cry 6, Mario + Rabbids 2, Avatar Square Enix E3 2021 Stream Announcements: Guardians Of The Galaxy, Final Fantasy Origin, Babylon's Fall