The most popular gaming event, E3 2020, is at the top of trending topics this week. The COVID-19 coronavirus has made its way to the West Coast and it’s apparent in the lack of disinfectant wipes in the stores, lower flight rates and, unfortunately, the shut down of highly populated events.
When Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for California on Thursday, March 5, one person had died from the virus while there were a reported 50 cases.
By Saturday, March 7, Los Angeles County had 14 cases of the coronavirus, according to Los Angeles County Public Health officials.
Similar to Miami’s Ultra Music Festival, Austin’s South by Southwest Music Conference and the Mobile World Congress 2020, it appears that the popular gaming convention E3 may be another major event that could possibly have to be either postponed or canceled.
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) gave a COVID-19 update.
“The health and safety of our attendees, exhibitors, partners, and staff is our top priority,” said ESA in a a statement. “While the ESA continues to plan for a safe and successful E3 show June 9-11, 2020—we are monitoring and evaluating the situation daily.”
“Our E3 team and partners continue to monitor COVID-19 via the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO),” the statement continued. “We are actively assessing the latest information and will continue to develop measures to further reduce health risks at the show.”
In addition to the coronavirus threat to E3, the annual event has dealt with some losses. Creative services company iam8bit, who was once employed to give the gaming show a new look, has resigned from the creative director role for the convention.
To top that, the major gaming company Sony (responsible for Playstation) declined to be involved with E3 for a second year in a row.
Despite the adversity, E3 is a much needed platform for the gaming world. It’s an opportunity to spread information, network and even inspire future developments.
As for now, E3 is still on.
But, in the meantime, E3 is suggesting that people follow CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus. Some of the tips include constantly washing hands, avoiding sick people, covering coughs and sneezes in a tissue or arm, and avoiding shaking hands or kissing greetings.
