The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has officially announced the discontinuation of E3, the industry’s largest game fair, after facing challenges and cancellations in recent years. The decision was attributed to industry changes and new opportunities.
— E3 (@E3) December 12, 2023
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An era has come to a close.
The Electronic Entertainment Expo, which debuted in 1995, has continued to grow in size with each subsequent edition. It has long been regarded as a crucial event in the industry, featuring significant presentations from major studios.
E3 has unveiled numerous advertisements over time, showcasing new consoles like the PS4 and exciting game releases. Each year, the event presents new titles during its broadcasts, with media and players eagerly following the latest news in the gaming industry.
At the local attractions, E3 provided players with the opportunity to try out new games and participate in additional activities to enhance the event’s overall experience.
Disturbed conclusion
In recent years, E3 faced difficulties and dwindling interest from major companies, leading to its cancellation in 2023 after being held online in 2021 following the pandemic-related cancellation in 2020.
Nintendo was the first to lead the way, prompting Sony to follow suit by organizing its own presentations without confirming participation in the major event. Microsoft also adopted this approach, leading to the gradual decline of E3 and its eventual cancellation as the only viable option, according to Stanley Pierr-Louis, president of ESA.
The industry, players, and creators have always had a strong passion for E3. Saying farewell to this beloved event is difficult but necessary to embrace new opportunities to connect with fans and partners.
How is the advertising season going?
Players can still explore the array of new releases during the well-known “E3 season,” despite the event coming to a close. This includes individual showcases from major companies like Nintendo Direct, Xbox Games Showcase, PlayStation Showcase, Ubisoft Forward, and others, following the absence of the traditional fair organized by ESA.
Summer Gamer Fest serves as an alternative to E3, organized by Geoff Keighley during the usual timeframe. The Game Awards, held at the end of the year, offers significant announcements outside of the advertising season, making it a key event for future gaming news.
