As first reported by VGC, the board is said to be working with the Entertainment Software Association on 'broadcast options at the Los Angeles Convention Center and nearby LA LIve complex', after the same site broke news earlier in the month that the ESA were working on a digital E3 for 2021.
While the city is in a state of recovery following a surge in coronavirus cases over the winter, the traditional June date for E3 comes a little too soon for the 60,000-plus crowds that usually descend upon the Center.
Slated to be held on the same dates as previously announced — June 15-17 — it is unclear what participation will look like from the major publishers.
Following last year's cancellation, several held their own digital events, or became part of a summer-long event set up and curated by long-time E3 contributor Geoff Keighley. A major blow had already been struck in 2019 after Sony announced they wouldn't be taking part.
Whether or not the publishers need E3 to bring their upcoming content to the community remains to be seen, but given past controversies — such as the leaking of personal information for over 2,000 media attendees — many believe the show needs to evolve if it is to survive in the long term.
Deprived of high-attendance events in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the video games industry is adapting to this unprecedented global situation. Measures are being put in place by publishers and developers to make their announcements online. Check out the events that will replace E3 this year.
