UPDATE: 11:40am ET - This article has been updated to reflect that ESA has officially announced the cancellation of E3 2020

E3 2020 was the next casualty of the cancellation due to the coronavirus

According to Ars Technica and Bloomberg, multiple sources reported earlier today that the decision to cancel the event had already been made, but ESA released a statement on the E3 2020 website revealing that the conference is indeed no longer taking place

"After careful consultation with our member companies regarding the health and safety of everyone involved in the industry, including fans, employees, exhibitors, and our longtime E3 partners, we have made the difficult decision to cancel E3 2020," the statement begins

However, E3 2020 is not being cancelled entirely, and ESA said it is considering alternatives" We are also working with our members to explore options for coordinating an online experience in June 2020 that showcases industry announcements and news"

The trade association also stated that this will not affect next year's conference" We look forward to delivering E3 2021 as a reborn event that brings fans, media, and industry together in a showcase that celebrates the global video game industry"

Earlier today, indie game publisher Devolver Digital posted the following tweet in a somewhat cavalier response to the rumor

Companies like Nintendo and Sony have either greatly reduced or completely removed their physical presence at the LA Convention Center over the past few years Microsoft was scheduled to show up, according to a January tweet from Phil Spencer, head of the Xbox division Without Sony to distract journalists and fans, Xbox could have shown off the Xbox Series X at its best

Fortunately, we will get more information on the Xbox Series X at a live stream event Microsoft is hosting next week Based on the schedule, we may be able to learn about the new console's cloud gaming capabilities and possibly even some titles in development

The cancellation of E3 2020 follows other events such as MWC, GDC, and SXSW where the decision was made to cancel plans for fear that people would be infected with COVID-19 ESA had previously declared that this year's E3 would go on as planned with additional safety measures in place, but the situation continues to monitoring and following the advice of the CDC