This comes shortly after the announcement of the cancelation of E3 2022’s in-person event, which was followed by rumours of cancelation of the digital show as well (although recently insider Tom Henderson suggested that a digital show might still happen).

In a statement shared with IGN, the ESA revealed that the show is preparing to make a big comeback next year, and part of the reason for this year’s cancelation is to allow the organization to focus its limited resources on making next year’s event a grand one.

“We will devote all our energy and resources to delivering a revitalized physical and digital E3 experience next summer. Whether enjoyed from the show floor or your favorite devices, the 2023 showcase will bring the community, media, and industry back together in an all-new format and interactive experience. We look forward to presenting E3 to fans around the world live from Los Angeles in 2023,” the statement reads.

Over on Twitter, reputable industry insider Jeff Grubb has also posted about how the choice for major publishers to go with Geoff Keighley’s Summer Game Fest (which will take place in June) is also part of the reason why ESA chose to disband this year’s show. On that note, it’s also rumoured that Xbox is also partnering with publishers to host their own E3-style show sometime in June- read more on that through here.

Just got an email… It's official, E3 digital is official cancelled for 2022. Lots of mixed feelings about this…

— Will Powers (@WillJPowers) March 31, 2022

The vibe check I was getting is that everyone is going with Keighley instead because he's actually competent.

— Grubb (@JeffGrubb) March 31, 2022

Excited to share that @SummerGameFest will return this June with a slate of events. We'll be producing another Kickoff Live show with announcements, news and first looks.

Much more to share in the coming weeks, along with some very cool new elements for '22. pic.twitter.com/jjXLG8Xueh

— Geoff Keighley (@geoffkeighley) March 31, 2022

The Entertainment Software Association that the Electronic Entertainment Expo or E3 will be returning on June 12th to 15th. As a digital-only event, it will see companies like Microsoft, Take Two Interactive, Ubisoft, Capcom, Konami, Koch Media, Nintendo and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment taking part with “more to come.” The ESA also noted that it’s working with “media partners globally to help amplify and make this content available to everyone for free.”

Entertainment Software Association president and CEO Stanley Pierre-Louis stated that, “For more than two decades, E3 has been the premier venue to showcase the best that the video game industry has to offer, while uniting the world through games. We are evolving this year’s E3 into a more inclusive event, but will still look to excite the fans with major reveals and insider opportunities that make this event the indispensable center stage for video games.”

Documents from the ESA had indicated that the event would be digital-only and considering the ongoing pandemic, it seemed a given. The organization also reiterated its drive to make its content free for all following rumors of a paywall for premium event content. There’s still a ways to before each publisher outlines its announcements and reveals though, as usual, it seems Sony will be abstaining from the event.

Stay tuned for more details on the show in the coming weeks. Who knows? We may even see Elden Ring making an appearance, if rumors are to be believed.