What you need to know
- E3 2022 is reportedly canceled, while Summer Game Fest 2022 is moving ahead.
- Media sources indicate that the ESA has failed to put together an online-only event for E3.
- One report claims the ESA intends to try and hold an event in 2023.
Update, March 31 (3:53 pm ET): The ESA has provided a statement, indicating that E3 will return in 2023.
E3 2022 is reportedly canceled, with numerous media sources stating that the ESA has failed to put together an online-only event in time.
The news broke via Will Powers on Twitter, who indicated that he'd received an email saying E3 2022 is officially canceled. From there, Geoff Keighley, host of The Game Awards, Summer Game Fest and Opening Night Live at Gamescom, proceeded to seemingly confirm the news with a single emoji.
😉😉— Geoff Keighley (@geoffkeighley) March 31, 2022March 31, 2022
This was in turn followed shortly by a confirmation that Summer Game Fest would proceed, being held in June 2022. According to a report from IGN, the ESA intends to regroup and will be attempting to hold an event in 2023.
Months ago, the ESA confirmed that there would be no physical event for E3 2022, with the stated reason being concerns over the spread of the Omicron variant.
"We remain incredibly excited about the future of E3 and look forward to announcing more details soon," the ESA stated at the time. No follow-up information was ever publicly provided about what a digital E3 2022 could look like.
GamesBeat reporter Jeff Grubb noted via Twitter that the main reason for this turn of events appeared to be "...that everyone is going with Keighley instead because he's actually competent."
We've reached out to the ESA for comment and will update this story accordingly if we receive a response.
Update, March 31 (3:53 pm ET) — ESA claims E3 2023 return
In an official statement, the ESA confirmed that E3 2022 is officially canceled. The ESA is now looking ahead to the next year.
"Today, we announce that there will also be no digital E3 showcase in 2022," the ESA said in a statement. "Instead, we will devote all our energy and resources to delivering a revitalized physical and digital E3 experience next summer. 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."
