Microsoft, Ubisoft move to digital events after E3’s cancellation

On Wednesday, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) canceled the Electronic Entertainment Expo — better known as E3 — over concerns regarding the spread of COVID-19, the novel coronavirus. The World Health Organization officially declared COVID-19 a pandemic on Wednesday.

The ESA said it’s “exploring options with our members to coordinate an online experience to showcase industry announcements and news in June 2020.” Immediately following the event’s cancellation, game companies began discussing plans for digital events. Microsoft Xbox boss Phil Spencer tweeted on Wednesday that Microsoft will hold “an Xbox digital event” to showcase the “next generation of gaming.” Details regarding the digital showcase will be announced “in the coming weeks,” Spencer said.

Microsoft is preparing for the launch of its next-generation console, the Xbox Series X, slated for release in holiday 2020. Microsoft will host a two-day livestreamed event next week, where it’ll share some details on the Xbox Series X and Project xCloud, replacing its canceled Game Developers Conference talks. GDC was postponed in late February over the spread of COVID-19.

Microsoft is preparing for the launch of its next-generation console, the Xbox Series X, slated for release in holiday 2020. Microsoft will host a two-day livestreamed event next week, where it’ll share some details on the Xbox Series X and Project xCloud, replacing its canceled Game Developers Conference talks. GDC was postponed in late February over the spread of COVID-19.

Update: This story has been updated to add a statement from Nintendo, and additional information from Microsoft.