The Electronic Entertainment Expo video-game conference scheduled to take over the Los Angeles Convention Center in June, is being canceled due to coronavirus concerns.

The cancellation was officially announced by the Entertainment Software Association. Previously, the ESA, which organizes the show commonly known as E3, wrote in a private memo to partners on Tuesday that it is “exploring options for an online E3 event this summer.

Here is what ESA said:

"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, scheduled for June 9-11 in Los Angeles.

Following increased and overwhelming concerns about the COVID-19 virus, we felt this was the best way to proceed during such an unprecedented global situation. We are very disappointed that we are unable to hold this event for our fans and supporters. But we know it’s the right decision based on the information we have today. Our team will be reaching out directly to exhibitors and attendees with information about providing full refunds.

We are also exploring options with our members to coordinate an online experience to showcase industry announcements and news in June 2020. We thank everyone who shared their views on reimagining E3 this year.

We look forward to bringing you E3 2021 as a reimagined event that brings fans, media and the industry together in a showcase that celebrates the global video game industry."

E3 is the biggest event on the gaming industry calendar and this year has been anticipated as a place to learn more about the new consoles planned by Microsoft Corp. and Sony for the end of the year.

"E3 has always been an important moment for Team Xbox," he wrote. "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," said the Xbox head Phil Spencer.

Microsoft isn't the only company that will move its E3 plans online, though specifics are still scarce.

Conferences and major gatherings, such as the South by Southwest festival that was originally scheduled to take place this month in Austin, Texas, has been also cancelled.