E3 2022 goes online amid Omicron variant spread

As the COVID-19 Omicron variant continues to spread across the world, the Entertainment Software Association has confirmed E3 2022 will take place entirely online to avoid any further complications. 

The Electronic Entertainment Expo has been absent in an offline format since 2019 after it was cancelled in 2020, making an all-digital return a year later. 

E3 goes online amid COVID resurgence 

It seemed that, as vaccination rollout began to contain the spread, 2022 would see E3 potentially return to the Los Angeles Convention Center. Sadly, both Omicron and Delta have made sure that's not the case anymore.

“Due to the ongoing health risks surrounding COVID-19 and its potential impact on the safety of exhibitors and attendees, E3 will not be held in person in 2022. We remain incredibly excited about the future of E3 and look forward to announcing more details soon," an ESA spokesperson told GamesBeat.

According to information gathered by The New York Times, the daily COVID-19 cases in the United States have skyrocketed in recent weeks. On 3rd January, they reached an all-time high of over 1 million confirmed cases in a single day. 

Last year's E3 was heavily criticised by games media and fans alike, as it lacked any semblance of relevancy previous years had, with companies such as Sony no-showing the event, and those that stuck around failing to impress audiences with lacklustre showcases that could've easily been turned into a simple YouTube video. 

Despite this, the ESA remains confident that an online format is the best course of action. "We are excited about the possibilities of an online event.”

As more information regarding E3 2022 is revealed, rest assured we'll keep you updated. 

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Featured image courtesy of ESA.