E3, the biggest gaming event of the year, has been canceled due to concerns about the spread of the novel coronavirus, according to a statement from the event organizers on Wednesday. The Entertainment Software Association, the group behind E3, says it will look into conducting an online showcase in place of E3 in June.

"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," the ESA said in a statement.