Square Enix exploring ways to show ‘strongest ever line-up’ after E3 cancellation

Square Enix says it’s exploring alternative ways to showcase its ‘strongest ever line-up’ of games in the wake of E3 2020’s cancellation.

E3 organiser the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) said on Wednesday that this year’s show will no longer go ahead due to concerns over the coronavirus, forcing many games businesses to alter their promotional activities.

Reacting to the news on Twitter, Final Fantasy publisher Square Enix said it was disappointed by the cancellation but fully supports the decision.

“Our 2020 line-up, and the next-generation that lies beyond, is stronger than ever for Square Enix,” it added.

“Where E3 has always been an incredible moment in time to showcase our upcoming games, we’re exploring other options to share our games with you. More to come, stay tuned.”

Square Enix recently delayed the Marvel’s Avengers release date by four months to September 4, 2020.

In January, Square Enix president Yosuke Matsuda said the company is “making steady progress” on next-gen console titles” and is also developing cloud-native games.

And during a financial results briefing in February, Matsuda said PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X backwards compatibility mean the company isn’t planning to release next-gen exclusives for some time.

Following E3’s cancellation, Xbox said it will hold a digital event to replace its plans for the show, as will Devolver Digital and Limited Run Games.

Ubisoft also said it will “explore” the option of a replacement online event, while Nintendo has said it’s considering various ways to engage with its fans in 2020 following E3’s cancellation.

Warner Bros. Games reportedly had big announcements scheduled for E3 including new Batman, Harry Potter and Rocksteady games.