In a surprising announcement on Tuesday, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) declared the end of an era by officially canceling the Electronic Entertainment Expo, better known as E3. Once hailed as the video game industry’s premier showcase, E3 had been a central hub for gaming enthusiasts and professionals alike for over two decades.
The ESA, the trade group behind the event, shared the news on the modern-day town square, X, formerly known as Twitter. “After more than two decades of serving as a central showcase for the video game industry, ESA has decided to end E3,” their tweet read, marking a significant shift in the landscape of gaming conventions.
This decision follows the cancellation of this year’s convention, which was originally scheduled to take place at the Los Angeles Convention Center in June. The cancellation marked the continuation of a trend that began in 2020 when pandemic-induced quarantine measures forced the event to go virtual.
Once considered North America’s gaming extravaganza, E3 had faced challenges in recent years. Major players in the industry, such as Sony, had opted out of participating in the Los Angeles celebration, instead favoring their fan-centric gatherings. This shift in participation signaled a crossroads for E3, questioning its relevance in an evolving gaming landscape.
The Entertainment Software Association had previously boasted that E3 contributed over $88 million in revenue to Los Angeles. The event, which typically drew more than 65,000 fans and industry professionals every summer, had become a staple in the gaming calendar. However, recent struggles were evident, as a list of participating game companies for this year’s event lacked any major game publisher.
E3’s decline mirrored broader changes in the industry. Originally centered around gaming retail, the expo grappled with the rise of digital storefronts and the emergence of online, trailer-focused gaming events. The once-mighty E3 had lost some of its luster as the gaming community diversified its channels for announcements and reveals.
As the curtain falls on E3, gamers and industry insiders are left to reflect on the end of an era. While the landscape of gaming events may be changing, the memories and impact of E3 will undoubtedly remain etched in the history of the video game industry.
News on #E32023 from the source. pic.twitter.com/BK7TUlb8mZ
— E3 (@E3) March 30, 2023
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