The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has announced the cancellation of the annual Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) gaming convention after over two decades. This decision follows key gaming publishers pulling out of the event in recent years.
E3 had been the premier industry showcase, bringing together publishers, retailers, and media worldwide. However, Nintendo, Microsoft, EA, and Sony began hosting separate events, diminishing E3’s relevance. The COVID-19 pandemic led to cancellations in 2020 and 2021. While ESA planned to resume E3 in 2023, a lack of publisher interest led them to cancel it altogether. In addition, you can also read an article on- Nintendo Files Patent for Advanced VR Gaming Device With Tracking Sensors
E3’s decline coincided with the rise of Geoff Keighley’s Summer Game Fest, a competing event that began online but held its first in-person showcase in Los Angeles in 2022, during E3’s standard timeframe.
As a centralized industry event, E3 facilitated major announcements, hands-on demos, and executive networking. Without it, publishers may rely more on pre-recorded videos and controlled messaging than open press interviews.
Analysts also expect publishers to leverage online influencers over journalists to showcase upcoming titles. This raises ethical concerns over potential conflicts of interest and paid promotions masquerading as organic hype.
The gaming landscape will likely see more fragmented, publisher-specific events going forward. However, there are hopes that the ESA may revive E3 in some form in the future.
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