The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has announced the end of the Electronic Entertainment Expo, popularly known as E3, marking the conclusion of an event that has been a cornerstone of the video game industry since its inception in 1995.
E3, a central showcase for both the U.S. and global video game industry, faced challenges in recent years, culminating in its cancellation. The ESA cited their ongoing commitment to advocate for their member companies and the industry's workforce despite the closure of this iconic event.
— E3 (@E3) December 12, 2023
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic was a significant factor in E3's decline, leading to the cancellation of the in-person event in 2020. Efforts to adapt included an all-virtual format in 2021, but the convention was ultimately canceled in 2022 and 2023, struggling to attract exhibitors and participants.
The shift in industry dynamics was evident even before the pandemic, with key figures like Geoff Keighley, founder of the Game Awards, emphasizing the growing effectiveness of online events over traditional in-person conventions. Keighley's launch of the Summer Game Fest in 2020 highlighted this changing landscape.
The 2019 edition of E3, its last physical iteration, saw 66,100 attendees, indicating its once-great influence. In a farewell message on social media, E3 thanked its audience for the memories, acknowledging its impactful legacy in the gaming world.
Despite a last-ditch effort to revive E3 through a partnership with event-production company ReedPop in 2023, the curtain has finally been drawn on an event that once stood as a pivotal gathering for gaming enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.
Source: X