As of 2021, the traditional E3 2022 plans have been cancelled. However, there will still be an event. The Entertainment Software Association has announced that there will be a virtual one instead. E3 2022 will be held online. This will mark the second time in a row that there is no live activity. [Thanks, VentureBeat!]
This is the exact statement ESA made to VentureBeat’s GamesBeat division. When speaking to the outlet, it cited the COVID-19 pandemic. In the second half of 2021, the omicron variant led to a new wave of infections.
Due to the ongoing health risks surrounding COVID-19 and its potential impact on the safety of exhibitors and attendees, E3 will not be held in person in 2022.
However, while The ESA cited the pandemic as setting out how it canceled the E3 2022 direct relationship, others argue that the decision was made earlier. Analysts F-Squared and GameDev Business Handbook author Mike Futter and IGN Correspondent Rebekah Valentine have both covered the cancellation hearing before.
This is spinning. I heard from sources in mid-November, before Omicron came out later that month that ESA had dropped the date to join the LACC. https://t.co/2oIbkNDFBx
– Mike Futter (@Futterish) January 6, 2022
well, what can you do! I’ve been investigating this for the past few months. Many people tell me that their understanding is that the physical fact was quietly canceled many months ago. and ESA cannot confirm the digital event, even now, after five monthshttps://t.co/QcJt1ZoeN7
– Rebekah Valentine (@duckvalentine) January 6, 2022
Live composition of E3 2021 was cancelled support one virtual events.
The E3 2022 live element has been canceled and its online portion still has no date.
