An email to developers is reiterating the decision to keep E3 a digital event this summer, even as the United States has progressively softened restrictions and recommendations related to coronavirus.
Journalist Tom Henderson tweeted on Friday the ESRB sent an email to developers stating the event will be entirely digital.
The news is not particularly unexpected, considering the Electronic Software Association reportedly told GamesBeat that same news in January, citing continued COVID-19 concerns. Today’s reported email is a reinforcement of the ESA’s earlier decision.
Rumors have been circulating the event would be canceled altogether and seem to be off the mark, as they often are.
E3 was canceled in 2020 and the all-digital show in 2021 garnered a lukewarm reception.
“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,” the ESA said in January. “We remain incredibly excited about the future of E3 and look forward to announcing more details soon.”
Former E3-mainstay Geoff Keighley held the inaugural Summer Games Fest in 2020, held a bigger show in 2021 and is riding the momentum into Summer 2022.
You can read the Cinelinx coverage from E3 2021 here, including game previews and first impressions.
