The news came via a tweet from Razer PR chief Will Powers, who said an email had been sent announcing the cancellation of an E3 digital event. IGN has also independently verified the contents of the email. ESA had originally planned for an in-person E3 event this year, having had no events in 2020 due to COVID-19 and a digital event in 2021. However, this was canceled in January, with ESA currently unable to hold public statement on whether or not there will be a digital equivalent. According to sources speaking to IGN at the time, discussions around E3 were intense throughout the year, with third parties finding the ESA’s continued silence on their plans often disappointing. Event-related sources tell IGN that discussions about a possible digital equivalent have been going on ever since, but without a strong push to lead them. Instead, ESA seems to be making plans to restructure for a bigger comeback in 2023. Update: ESA has shared an official statement with IGN confirming the cancellation of E3 2022 and announcing that E3 will return in 2023 with “a renewed showcase”. “We will dedicate all our energy and resources to offer a refreshed physical and digital E3 experience next summer. Whether you enjoy it from the exhibition floor or your favorite appliances, the 2023 showcase will once again bring the community, the media and industry new format and interactive experience. “We look forward to presenting E3 to fans around the world live from Los Angeles in 2023.” ESA adds that the 2022 report has been canceled so that the agency can “focus its resources” on the 2023 report. Rebekah Valentine is an IGN news reporter. You can find her on Twitter @duckvalentine.
