The Entertainment Software Association (ESA), the group behind the annual E3 gaming conference, has confirmed that E3 2022 is officially cancelled, with no physical or digital event planned to take place. The news first broke on Twitter via Will Powers, PR Lead for Razer – who reported receiving an email confirming the cancellation. Several more sources reportedly received a similar email, with the ESA later confirming to IGN that the news is official.
With E3 2022 now cancelled, the group will turn its focus towards holding a larger event in 2023, when hopefully the impact of the global coronavirus pandemic has eased.
‘We will devote all our energy and resources to delivering a revitalised physical and digital E3 experience next summer,’ the ESA told IGN.
‘Whether enjoyed from the show floor or your favourite 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.’
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Early speculation had E3 2022 penned to go ahead following two difficult years for the annual showcase – the show was cancelled in 2020 due to the rise of coronavirus cases, and went completely digital in 2021 for the same reason – but this hope now appears to be over. With E3 reducing its scope progressively over the last few years, this feels like a final nail in the coffin for the long-running event.
With no digital equivalent planned for this year, it’s now likely individual companies will plan their own showcases. So far, no company has confirmed any plans – and EA did recently cancel its annual EA Play Live festivities – but as in year’s past, we could see a rise in company-led announcements without the aid of E3.
We’ll likely hear more about what’s in the works as we get closer to the June-July period in the gaming calendar. With E3 2022 no longer going ahead, fans will have to stay patient and wait until 2023 to see what’s in the works after three rocky years for the annual event.
