It’s a shame that E3 2022’s in-person event had been canceled by the ESA earlier this year due to concerns over the pandemic, but at least the show will return in a digital format. Oh, never mind; that’s been canceled too. Following a tweet from Razer PR guy Will Powers, who initially broke the news, the organizers behind the trade event have sent a statement to IGN that can confirm E3 2022 has been fully canceled. It will, however, return in 2023 with “a reinvigorated showcase.” But wait, does anyone even care about E3 anymore?
“We will devote all our energy and resources to delivering a revitalized physical and digital E3 experience next summer,” reads a statement from the ESA. “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.”
“We look forward to presenting E3 to fans around the world live from Los Angeles in 2023.”
Just got an email… It's official, E3 digital is official cancelled for 2022. Lots of mixed feelings about this…
— Will Powers 🛫 NYC (@WillJPowers) March 31, 2022
E3 2022 – Digital and Physical – Has Officially Been Canceled (IGN)
The ESA had initially planned for an in-person E3 event this year after having no event in 2020 due to COVID-19 and a digital one in 2021. However, this was canceled in January, with the ESA at the time unable to make a public statement on whether or not there would be a digital equivalent. According to sources speaking to IGN at the time, discussions around E3 had been fraught throughout the year, with third parties normally involved finding the ESA’s ongoing silence regarding their plans frustrating.
Sources connected to the event tell IGN that discussions about a possible digital equivalent have been ongoing ever since, but without strong momentum to drive them. Instead, the ESA seems to be making plans to regroup for a larger comeback in 2023.
The ESA adds that the 2022 showcase has been cancelled so the organization can “focus its resources” on the 2023 show.