E3 2020 is currently still going ahead, but after Los Angeles declared a health emergency due to the spread of COVID-19, known as the coronavirus, organizers the ESA are “evaluating the situation daily” as it continues to make plans.
The ESA previously stated that it was looking to prioritize the health and safety of its exhibitors and attendees, but that it would continue to move ahead with the expo. “Given what we know at this time, we are moving ahead full speed with E3 2020 planning,” the organizers told Vice. “Exhibit and registration sales are on track for an exciting show in June.”
In a further update released today (via GamesIndustry.biz), the ESA acknowledged that LA had issued a state of emergency, saying that it was “monitoring” the situation ahead of E3 2020 in June.
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“The health and safety of our attendees, exhibitors, partners, and staff is our top priority,” the statement reads. “While the ESA continues to plan for a safe and successful E3 show June 9-11, 2020 — we are monitoring and evaluating the situation daily.
“Our E3 team and partners continue to monitor COVID-19 via the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). We are actively assessing the latest information and will continue to develop measures to further reduce health risks at the show.”
While E3 2020 is currently set to continue as planned in June, other video game events have been majorly disrupted by the coronavirus. As we detailed in our summary of the coronavirus’ impact on the games industry, GDC 2020 was postponed until the summer due to health concerns, while Ubisoft also temporarily closed its China-based studios.
If the spread of the coronavirus increases, it remains to be seen if the ESA will postpone or outright cancel E3 2020 in response. While we all hope that won’t be the case, ensuring the health of attendees, publishers, and developers who attend the expo is undoubtedly more important.
