The world's largest gaming convention, E3, has officially been cancelled, leaving gamers in shock. Despite claims that the expo would return, the event has not been seen since before the pandemic. E3, also known as the Electronic Entertainment Expo, has always been the go-to place for major companies to reveal their games.
The end of an era
2023 was supposed to be the year of E3's triumphant return, but the show was cancelled after several of its biggest gaming partners pulled out. In a statement on the event's official website, it was announced that E3 would not be coming back. "After more than two decades of E3, each one bigger than the last, the time has come to say goodbye. Thanks for the memories," the statement read.
Stanley Pierre-Louis, the president of E3 organizer ESA, acknowledged the industry's passion for the event but explained that it was the right decision to let it go. "Given the new opportunities our industry has to reach fans and partners, it's difficult to say goodbye to such a beloved event, but it's the right thing to do," Pierre-Louis said.
A decline in interest
The last in-person E3 event took place in 2019, and the subsequent shows were cancelled due to the pandemic. However, the 2022 and 2023 events were called off due to a lack of interest from major publishers. Many publishers, including PlayStation, chose to host their own digital shows or showcase their games at other events like The Game Awards.
E3 faced challenges in maintaining partnerships as more options became available for companies to reveal their games. With the rise of online shows and alternative platforms, the gaming industry has shifted its focus away from E3.
If you're interested in reading about the latest gaming reveals, be sure to check out all 71 games announced at The Game Awards 2023.
Written by Georgina Young on behalf of GLHF.
