After canceling the event in 2020 and following up with a virtual edition of the event in 2021, the Entertainment Software Association announced that 2022’s E3 would also be virtual. The rise of the Omicron variant in the United States (and the rest of the world) prompted this change.

In a statement to GamesBeat, the ESA said, “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,” and “We remain incredibly excited about the future of E3 and look forward to announcing more details soon.”

2019 feels like a long time ago.

This isn’t the first event Omicron has postponed or turned online-only, either. The Grammys have been pushed indefinitely, and the Sundance Film Festival is going online.

Last summer wasn’t short on the gaming events, as in addition to the virtual E3, there were a plethora of events held under Geoff Keighley’s Summer Game Fest. Keighley has already announced that Summer Game Fest will be back for 2022.

What are you hoping to see from these events in 2022?

About The Author

Amanda G.
Sr. Community Developer

Mom, Army wife, talkative introvert and retail veteran are the best adjectives to describe this Midwestern native. Amanda has been playing games since Tomb Raider back in the ’90s. Fast forward 20-some-odd years, you’ll find her with a little less time on her hands, but she’ll still play anything with a great story and memorable characters. (Bonus points if there’s a female protagonist involved!) In her free time you’ll find her playing tabletop RPG’s with friends, and hanging out with her husband Adam, son Will, and Boykin Spaniel/Corgi/Blue Heeler mix Arya Bark!