Microsoft is set to “celebrate the next generation of gaming” in hosting a digital showcase of the content that was originally planned for E3 2020 (via games radar).
E3 has always been an important moment for Team Xbox. Given this decision, this year we'll celebrate the next generation of gaming with the @Xbox community and all who love to play via an Xbox digital event. Details on timing and more in the coming weeks https://t.co/xckMKBPf9h
— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) March 11, 2020
Earlier today, the Entertainment Software Association confirmed that it would be cancelling E3 2020 owing to the intensifying situation surrounding the coronavirus. “After careful consultation with our member companies regarding the health and safety of everyone in our industry—our fans, our employees, our exhibitors and our longtime E3 partners—we have made the difficult decision to cancel E3 2020,” it said in an official statement. The trade show is the latest event to fall, following the Taipei Game Show and GDC 2020. However, Xbox is unflinching in the face of the news.
“E3 has always been an important moment for Team Xbox,” said Phil Spencer in an announcement. Details regarding the digital event will be released in the coming weeks, and it will be interesting to see how the launch of the next generation of consoles will be impacted by the coronavirus outbreak. Sony had previously rescinded its presence at E3 2020, saying that the event would not be a good fit for its forthcoming ambitions. In January, Microsoft was “hard at work on E3” plans, and that this year would be a “milestone year” for Xbox.
