ESA Nixes E3 2022 Virtual Event Following Recent Cancellation of In-Person Show

April 22, 2022

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) recently announced the complete cancellation of its E3 expo this year.

Earlier this year, the ESA had announced that E3, the largest and most important event in the video game industry, would not be held in person in 2022 due to the ongoing health risks surrounding COVID-19. The association recently decided not to follow through with an E3 digital experience either to focus on building a reinvigorated showcase for 2023 that celebrates new and exciting video games and industry innovations.

“Instead, we will devote all our energy and resources to delivering a revitalized physical and digital E3 experience next summer,” ESA said in a statement. “Whether enjoyed from the show floor or your favorite devices, the 2023 showcase will bring the community, media and industry back together in an all-new format and interactive experience. We look forward to presenting E3 to fans around the world live from Los Angeles in 2023.

E3 2023 will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The annual show has drawn tens of thousands of game developers, manufacturers and media to Los Angeles more than 20 times since its launch in 1995.

E3 was cancelled for the first time in 2020 due to the pandemic, and in 2021, it staged its first-ever interactive virtual version of the expo, drawing attendees from around the world.

Photo: E3 expo 2015.

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