E3 Expo is officially dead: Thanks for the almost 3 decades of gaming memories
The Electronic Entertainment Expo, or more popularly known just by its acronym E3, a prominent fixture in Los Angeles since 1995, has officially ceased operations. This conclusion was confirmed by a post on the show’s Facebook Page.
The event's significance over the past two decades as a primary platform for both the US and international video game sectors cannot be understated. However, the recent years have been challenging for E3, marked by the cancellation of the 2020 event due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a digital-only format in 2021, and further cancellations in 2022, 2023, and the foreseeable future. These developments fueled speculation about the event's permanent shutdown, exacerbated by diminished participation from major companies and increased attention to alternative events like Geoff Keighley's Summer Game Fest.
Despite the organizer Entertainment Software Association’s (ESA) previous assurances of E3's comeback, these plans have now been shelved. In an interview with The Washington Post, president and CEO of ESA, Stanley Pierre-Louis, acknowledged the difficult decision to end E3, recognising the event's emotional resonance within the gaming community but emphasised its necessity in light of evolving industry dynamics.
The decline of E3 can partly be attributed to the growing trend of gaming companies hosting their own individual showcases, offering them direct engagement with consumers and industry partners. E3 had historically been a platform for significant gaming announcements and memorable moments, such as the public debut of Nintendo's then-president Reggie Fils-Aime and the launch price revelation of the PlayStation.
As a testament to its legacy, E3's official website now displays a farewell message, celebrating over two decades of gaming milestones and thanking its audience. The sentiment is echoed on the event's Twitter account.
In lieu of E3, Stanley remains positive about the future, pointing out the opportunities for major companies to create individual showcases or collaborate with other industry events. This approach, he suggests, offers a fresh avenue for engaging new audiences and showcasing a diverse array of games.
Adieu, E3. 🙁
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