INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
of the gaming industry looking to announce, hype, and celebrate everything new and incoming in the world of video games.E3 is the place that
and wonder that entails.The particular form of the show has certainly changed over the years, with a growing focus on public attendees, fans
and influencers rather than the exclusive trade focus of earlier times
Online fandom is increasingly a crucial tool in the marketing and sustained interest in both new games and consoles, and E3 organizers would
of GDC 2020 (Game Developers Conference) and MWC 2020 (Mobile World Congress) in response to coronavirus health concerns could spell the end
around the world.Respiratory illnesses pass on very easily in confined, urban environments, just as the common cold or flu spreads on public
transports or in workspaces.No-one wants to be responsible for a virus outbreak gaining hold in new areas, which means organizers behind
after its first confirmed death from the illness in the city (via LA Times).Previous event cancellations have started off with big-name
attendees pulling out of the show, though for much more imminent events
Sony had been widely expected to attend E3 2020, in order to drive up interest around its PS5 console, after skipping out on the show last
announcements, and trailers itself
When Sony has its series of State of Play live streams to share information (and excitement) with its fans, why attend E3 at all?Things have
online video announcements
E3 Coliseum host Geoff Keighley has also opted out of the show this year, for unclear reasons.That's not to mention the dropout of
iam8bit, a creative merchandising company that had apparently been acting as a creative director for this year's show
Why gear up for the disappointment again?The ESA could always pivot to an online or pre-recorded version of the event, which would see E3
already hard to seem like a necessary middle man for developers who can upload their own YouTube videos by themselves.2020 seems like a
turning point for these kinds of expos, but particularly E3, given the melting pot of illness, behind-the-scenes disagreements, and online
distribution channels threatening its survival
And the status of E3 2020 could be decided any day now
