The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has officially announced the end of E3, once the most prominent video game expo in the industry. This confirmation was shared via Twitter, extending gratitude to fans and developers who supported the beloved event for more than twenty years. The cancellation comes after a gradual decline in interest, notably highlighted in March when the 2023 edition was scrapped due to the withdrawal of major publishers including PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo. Additionally, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the rise of alternative showcases like the Summer Game Fest, and a shift in audience preferences towards online presentations contributed to the expo’s downfall.
ESA President and CEO Stanley Pierre-Louis acknowledged the emotional weight of the announcement. In an interview with The Washington Post, he stated, “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.” Despite several efforts to revive the show, the preference for online digital events prevailed among developers and fans, alleviating the burdens of travel and high costs associated with physical exhibitions. During the pandemic, Geoff Keighley, a key figure in the industry, pivoted away from E3 to launch the online Summer Game Fest, a platform that allows developers to showcase their games from their own locations.
PlayStation has also embraced the digital format, utilizing both State of Play events and larger showcases to unveil titles and generate excitement. Similarly, Ubisoft chose not to participate in this year’s planned E3, opting instead for an online Ubisoft Forward event with limited in-person attendance for select journalists. The 2023 E3 was scheduled to take place from June 13-16 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, marking the first in-person gathering since 2019. The event saw interruptions with a cancellation in 2020 due to the pandemic, an online version in 2021, and a complete cancellation in 2022 in hopes of future revitalization. Ultimately, it concludes an era.
Throughout its history, E3 has been a platform for some of the most influential figures in gaming, including Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto and Hideo Kojima, the creator of Metal Gear Solid. Kojima shared his fond memories of the event and expressed his appreciation for its role in promoting Japanese games globally. In a reflective tweet, Cory Barlog, director of the God of War reboot, recalled debuting Kratos’ iconic look to a raucous crowd. “Both loved and hated this show. RIPs to the E3,” he remarked. As of now, there are no indications that the E3 brand will be put up for sale.
