Devolver Digital have been renegades the past several E3s, putting roots down in a parking lot across from the Los Angeles Convention Center. While in previous years this area reserved solely for press, this year Devolver made the surprising announcement that they would expand the space and open it up to the public, dubbing it the “Indie Picnic.” Now just about a week away from the start of E3, the publisher has announced that they’ve cancelled the picnic.
The cancellation is said to stem from not having the proper permits to host the public due to capacity restrictions. The press area will still be open in the same capacity in years past.
Read the full statement from Devolver below:
“We regretfully inform the public that we have been denied the necessary special use permits to enable us to host the fan-badge portion of the recently-announced Devolver Indie Picnic at E3 this year.
Those with E3 industry badges and by-appointment press are still welcome to join us per our usual location, but we are sad to say that we will not be able to accommodate the fan-badges due to capacity restrictions.
The usual Devolver E3 Lot is still going strong, however, and will still host its annual games showcase in its regular location for industry and press by appointment only, along with partners and sponsors Gambitious, Indie MEGABOOTH, and Logitech, and NVIDIA.
Fans at home will still be able to participate via the Devolver Public Access livestream from the lot again with best pals at X-Split, which will be broadcasting throughout the show, bringing you an awesome showcase of independent games and some very special guests as indie creators from all over the world will be joining us.
Our disappointment runs deep that we are not able to utilize the additional space we leased specifically to be able to host the fans who bought E3 wristbands this year. Opening up more space for the public to experience a unique and memorable celebration of games was something we very much wanted to do for fans who, like us, love video games. We are saddened that we will be unable to share that with them but look forward to working on future opportunities to do so.”
What a shame. Good for them for trying.