Why is E3 2022 cancelled? Why ESA has axed games showcase - and will it be back in 2023?

E3 is one of the biggest events of the year in the gaming world, with the gaming expo drawing in the biggest names in game development, industry professionals and fans.

Now, just 10 weeks prior to when the show would usually be expected to happen, it has been confirmed that E3 has been cancelled in its entirety - that means no in person event and no digital event either.

This is what you need to know.

What is E3?

E3 is an annual event for the video game industry, organised by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA).

During the expo, some of the biggest publishers and console manufacturers in the world come together to announce and show off new titles and merch that will be getting released that year.

Some of the games publishers that have attended E3 in the past include the likes of Nintendo, Xbox, Ubisoft, SEGA, Warner Bros Games and more.

The first E3 event was held from 11 to 13 May in 1995 at the Los Angeles Convention Centre, which is where it has been held almost every year since.

Over the course of its creation, E3 has evolved into what is considered to be the largest gaming expo of the year.

Why has E3 2022 been cancelled?

Originally, E3 2022 was going to be an entirely virtual affair, which was how E3 was held in 2021, something which the organisation describes as “an amazing experience” on its website.

A statement made in January of this year said that, given the ongoing concerns regarding Covid-19, “E3 will not be held in person in 2022”.

However, it has since been reported that the E3 event will not be going ahead at all, virtually or otherwise.

An ESA spokesperson told TechRadar: “We previously announced that E3 would not be held in person in 2022 due to the ongoing health risks surrounding Covid-19.

“Today we announce that there will also be no digital E3 showcase in 2022.”

The news of the cancellation was first announced by Will Powers, PR for Razer, on Twitter, when he tweeted: “Just got an email… It’s official, E3 digital is official [sic] cancelled for 2022. Lots of mixed feelings about this…”

IGN also reported the news after stating that it too had independently seen the email that confirmed E3’s cancellation.

Rebekah Valentine, IGN reporter, tweeted: “Was able to independently confirm that E3 2022 is fully cancelled now. Unsurprising given that they never actually confirmed they were doing a digital event in the first place and were so cagey when we asked them about it.”

As it stands, the official E3 social media accounts have not yet been updated with the news, with many still sporting “E3 2021” banners. The E3 website hasn’t been updated either, with the page still saying “E3 2022 See you next year”.

Will E3 return in 2023?

While many will be disappointed that E3 will not be happening in any shape or form this year, that doesn’t mean it’s gone forever.

The ESA confirmed to IGN that the event will be making a comeback next year in 2023.

The ESA said: “We will devote all our energy and resources to delivering a revitalised physical and digital E3 experience next summer.

“Whether enjoyed from the show floor or your favourite 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.”

The ESA also added that the 2022 showcase was cancelled so that it could “focus its resources” on the 2023 show instead.