Image via ESA

After last year's E3, in that location was the hope of seeing a return to a full-fledged issue once 2022 rolled around. Unfortunately, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has prevented that from becoming a reality. The virus hasn't slowed down due to the ascent of the Omicron variant, signaling potential risks had it returned to business as usual.

The Amusement Software Clan, the body responsible for planning E3, has announced that E3 2022 volition be an online-only event yet once again. In a argument released to GamesBeat, the ESA stated that the event wouldn't be in person due to the "potential bear on on the safety of exhibitors and attendees." The ESA volition announce further details regarding the result in the months ahead.

This marks the 2d twelvemonth in a row of an online-only E3. The determination may be shocking to some equally not every industry merchandise show has adopted the online-only model. This year'south CES, for example, decided to run the testify every bit usual in spite of the associated risks and criticisms.

While proof of vaccination was required for entry into this year'due south Consumer Electronics Testify, this does not fully prevent the possibility of transmission. Regardless, it's far besides early to speculate on whether the Electronic Entertainment Expo will be able to render to normal by 2023.