ESA says E3 2022 will be an online-only event in the summer due to COVID-19 concerns
VentureBeatDean Takahashi
Context & Ripple Effects
E3 had already lost its 2020 physical gathering to COVID-19, with ESAcanceling the planned three-day show. ESA then ran E3 2021 as a free virtual conference while still signaling a Los Angeles return for 2022.
The 2022 online-only decision extends that pandemic-era retreat rather than delivering the promised in-person reset. It matters because the event’s format, not just its dates, was becoming contingent on ESA’s ability to assemble exhibitors and audiences in one venue.
First-order effects
ESA must organize E3 2022 around an online format, replacing the planned in-person convening for exhibitors, media, and fans.
E3 participants lose the physical-show format ESA had indicated would return in Los Angeles after the 2021 virtual conference.
Second-order effects
ESA’s partners must plan announcements and audience outreach for a digital E3 rather than relying on a shared convention-floor presence.
The change raises execution pressure on ESA’s virtual-event model; its later decision to cancel the digital equivalent as well shows that an online format was not a durable substitute for the planned show.
The pattern points toward game publishers controlling announcement timing and distribution themselves, reducing the centrality of a common trade-show calendar.
The trend: E3 is one data point in the shift from a centralized physical game-industry showcase toward publisher-led, digitally distributed announcements.
well, what can you do! I'd been investigating this for the last few months. multiple folks told me their understanding was that the physical event had been quietly canceled months ago. and the ESA can't confirm the digital event, even now, five months out https://www.ign.com/...
To clear up confusion, the ESA said absolutely nothing about a digital event, and when pressed they couldn't confirm one. All they said was the in-person event was canceled. That doesn't rule out a digital E3, but as of now one has not been announced and no dates have been given …
Might write a eulogy for E3 b/c while this isn't surprising it is sad. I was hoping we'd get back to LA this June. Given that E3 had already been weakening, skipping 2 straight IRL yrs is probably the nail in the coffin for E3 ever being a Big Deal™ again https://www.ign.com/...
I didn't expect an in-person WWDC this year, but this definitely seems to solidify it. Apple is very likely to go all digital again. https://twitter.com/...
I'm glad I fulfilled 13-year-old me's wish of attending (and even hosting a stream during) E3, but I'm not surprised at all that it's not looking good for the future. https://twitter.com/...
Anyone else feel like E3 is dead? The in-person event has been canceled 6 months in advance and it will be online-only for 2022 https://twitter.com/...
It's smart to do this far in advance. Honestly until we can get a handle on the pandemic globally, this is safer for everyone (even though I'm BUMMED because I absolutely adore E3). https://twitter.com/...
E3 shifts to online-only event because of Omicron concerns. “Due to the ongoing health risks surrounding COVID-19 and its potential impact on the safety of exhibitors and attendees, E3 will not be held in person in 2022” https://venturebeat.com/...