E3 2022 Canceled, Leaving Future Of Former Gaming Mainstay In Doubt

E3, once the biggest convention in video games for its slew of announcements, world premieres and demos (not to mention a slew of memes), has been canceled again. Razer PR lead Will Powers broke the news on Twitter yesterday and the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) confirmed the cancelation later that day.

Just got an email… It's official, E3 digital is official cancelled for 2022. Lots of mixed feelings about this…

— Will Powers 🛫 NYC (@WillJPowers) March 31, 2022

The news marks the second time in three years E3 has been outright canceled due to COVID-19 precautions. In 2021, the showcase happened in a digital capacity, but that won't happen this year.

"We will devote all our energy and resources to delivering a revitalized physical and digital E3 experience next summer," the ESA said in a statement. "Whether enjoyed from the show floor or your favorite 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."

E3 was scheduled to return in-person this year after two years missed due to the pandemic, but the in-person aspect of the conference was canceled in January amidst the surge of the Omicron variant. At the time, the ESA did not confirm whether there would be a digital showcase in its stead.

Another missed E3 leaves the future of the once-mighty gaming convention in doubt. Nintendo opted out of the conference before the pandemic began, instead opting to make announcements via its Nintendo Direct series. Sony has adopted a similar practice with its "State of Play" series, as well as Xbox's "Games Showcase."

Meanwhile, the Summer Games Fest hosted by Geoff Keighley announced it would happen as usual.

Join us this June for SummerGameFest</a> - an industry wide celebration of video games, featuring a spectacular live kickoff show hosted by <a href="https://twitter.com/geoffkeighley?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">geoffkeighley

Sign up at https://t.co/1ZwAhZ66ie to be the first to know details. pic.twitter.com/P2eLRISqfQ

— Summer Game Fest – June 2022 (@summergamefest) March 31, 2022