Devolver Digital cancels its E3 'Indie Picnic' event

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The publisher was denied the permits required to open its parking lot to the public.

Devolver Digital, the publisher behind games including Genital Jousting, Strafe, and the upcoming Ape Out, said in May that its annual parking lot display at this year's E3 would include a showcase of "artisanal indie games [and] music" called the Indie Picnic. Befitting the name, the area would also feature food, "cold beverages," and even some carnival games. It sounds like a good time. So it's a real shame that Devolver has been forced to pull the plug on the whole thing. 

"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," the company said in a statement. "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." 

Devolver emphasized that the cancellation is strictly for the public part of its display, and that its usual setup "for appointments and other general shenanigans" is still happening. The "Devolver Public Access" livestream that runs throughout the show, featuring "an awesome showcase of independent games and some very special guests," will also be unaffected. 

Andy Chalk
Andy Chalk
US News Lead

Andy has been gaming on PCs from the very beginning, starting as a youngster with text adventures and primitive action games on a cassette-based TRS80. From there he graduated to the glory days of Sierra Online adventures and Microprose sims, ran a local BBS, learned how to build PCs, and developed a longstanding love of RPGs, immersive sims, and shooters. He began writing videogame news in 2007 for The Escapist and somehow managed to avoid getting fired until 2014, when he joined the storied ranks of PC Gamer. He covers all aspects of the industry, from new game announcements and patch notes to legal disputes, Twitch beefs, esports, and Henry Cavill. Lots of Henry Cavill.