E3, the annual computer and video game conference, has cancelled its 2020 edition,  set for June 9 – 11 in Los Angeles, due to concerns over the Coronavirus.

Attendees were looking forward to seeing sneak previews of the much anticipated Playstation 5 and Xbox Series X consoles which were scheduled to make showcase appearances but will now be delayed due to this ongoing pandemic.

Following on from the cancellation of SXSW and a whole host of other large scale events,  cancellations due to the Coronavirus, has become an ongoing trend in the events sector.

E3 have released the following statement in regards to the cancellation of the event:

“After careful consultation with our member companies regarding the health and safety of everyone in our industry – our fans, our employees, our exhibitors, and our longtime E3 partners – we have made the difficult decision to cancel E3 2020, scheduled for June 9-11 in Los Angeles.

Following increased and overwhelming concerns about the COVID-19 virus, we felt this was the best way to proceed during such an unprecedented global situation. We are very disappointed that we are unable to hold this event for our fans and supporters. But we know it’s the right decision based on the information we have today.

Our team will be reaching out directly to exhibitors and attendees with information about providing full refunds.

We are also exploring options with our members to coordinate an online experience to showcase industry announcements and news in June 2020.

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.”