According to a statement from the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), its long-time organiser, E3, formerly the peak of the gaming industry's annual calendar has officially died.
ESA President Stanley Pierre-Louis stated ,
"After more than two decades of hosting an event that has served as a central showcase for the US and global video game industry, we have decided to end E3. We acknowledge the industry's and the community's deep affection for E3. It's a challenging farewell to such a beloved event, but it's the right decision given the new avenues available to our industry for connecting with fans and partners."
E3, which began in 1995 to allow talks between retailers and game publishers quickly became the industry's flagship event attracting millions of viewers and international media coverage. However, as the digital world allowed direct connection with their audiences game publishers have become increasingly suspicious of its relevance in recent years. The COVID-19 epidemic hastened this trend, and despite efforts to resurrect E3, it has yet to regain its previous splendour.
E3 was supposed to make a comeback with its first in-person exhibition in four years this summer but it was cancelled in March leaving many disappointed. ReedPop, the show's organiser cited a lack of ongoing interest as the reason for the cancellation claiming an inability to show the industry's height, strength, and effect.
The ESA formally declared the conclusion of its premier gaming expo, E3, following Park's Washington Post story. The organisation acknowledged the cancellation of E3 on Twitter, moving its focus to advocate for member firms and the industry workforce.
Following the cancellation, ReedPop cut connections with the ESA which announced an evaluation of every facet of the event in September. In the absence of E3, other events, such as the competing Summer Game Fest by producer Geoff Keighley, Ubisoft Forward, and an Xbox Showcase, took front stage in Los Angeles in June.
In 2019, E3's in-person era came to an end. The 2020 cancellation resulted in an online attempt in 2021, but 2023's planned comeback was cancelled in March, essentially removing expectations for a rescue and marking the end of E3's chapter.