ESA To Proceed With E3 This June Despite Escalating Concerns Of New Virus In Los Angeles

It is no news that the concerning increase of cases regarding the COVID-19 virus or generally defined as the coronavirus has become a major talking point anywhere you go. And despite what avid video game players might assume residing on the internet, this affects the game industry as well. Just last month, it was reported that due to the State of Emergency deployed by San Francisco Mayor London Breed, the approaching Game Developers Conference (GDC) hosted in the Californian city would be postponed.

The organizers of the event disclosed that those who scheduled to participate as a speaker can still do so via the event’s YouTube channel which will be accessed for free. Indie game showcases and the Game Developers Conference Awards are said to be livestreamed online the same time it was initially slated to be hosted later this month.

And while the outbreak continues to travel on the west coast, the coronavirus has now migrated to Los Angeles as six cases of the virus has been reported in the past week. City Mayor Eric Garcetti declared a State of Emergency in efforts to contain further spread of the ailment. The organizers for E3, the Electronic Software Association (ESA), announced to continue plans for the annual event despite increasing concerns of the potential pandemic.

The health and safety of our attendees, exhibitors, partners, and staff is our top priority. 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.

Adding on, the ESA shares to be overlooking the status of the coronavirus with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to determine whether or not to orchestrate the event this coming June. Earlier this week, the ESA announced to be continuing plans for E3 when speaking with Vice Games: citing that “exhibit and registration sales are on track for an exciting show in June.”

Although there are precautions taken to into consideration for these shows to continue according to schedule, there has to be a certain position where the organizers truly consider prolonging or ultimately cancelling the event. Although this past PAX East commenced in its full duration, Sony Interactive Entertainment, Thatgamecompany, and PUBG Corp declared to be pulling its attendance to refrain from further spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Do you plan on visiting Los Angeles for E3 this year?

The Electronic Entertainment Expo (E#) is scheduled to kick off on June 9th to June 11th later this year.

Source: Gamesindustry.biz