RIP E3. The writing has been on the wall for what was once the biggest date on the gaming calendar for a while, but today it was officially announced by the Entertainment Software Association via the Washington Post that “after more than two decades of hosting an event that has served as a central showcase for the U.S. and global video game industry,” E3 is dead. Permanently. No extra lives.
After years of COVID-inflicted cancelations and half-measures, E3 was supposed to return this year courtesy of PAX producer ReedPop, but the new organizers weren’t able to attract the most important thing for a successful E3 – publishers willing to show off their latest games. As a result, E3 2023 was scrapped, although the ESA remained mum about what may happen in the future. Now they’ve finally put any potential hopes for a return to rest. ESA CEO Stanley Pierre-Louis had this to say about E3’s demise…
“We know the entire industry, players and creators alike have a lot of passion for E3. We share that passion. We know it’s difficult to say goodbye to such a beloved event, but it’s the right thing to do given the new opportunities our industry has to reach fans and partners.”
As I’ve said before, perhaps the E3 concept was just past it prime, although other big shows like Gamescom are still very much a going concern, but perhaps their days are numbered, too. The idea of a big spectacle of a show, where all the publishers show up and are essentially on the same level battling for public attention was certainly exciting, but these days most companies prefer more control over the narrative.
On a personal level, having been to several E3s, I’ll miss the spectacle and getting to meet the people who make the games I play and cover face-to-face. That said, I’ll admit, my feet won’t miss those treks back and forth across the LA Convention Center.
Now that E3 is officially a thing of the past, what are some of your favorite memories from the show from years past? Did you ever get to attend the event in person?
