The longstanding E3, considered the paramount gaming event for nearly two decades, has met its end officially. The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) confirmed the permanent cancellation of the annual event through an official announcement on X post and the E3 website.
Since the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic, E3 transitioned to a digital-only format in 2021 after its last in-person occurrence in 2019. Despite initial plans for a return to an in-person event this year, set for June in collaboration with ReedCorp, the event faced cancellation once more. This recent development likely hints at what lies ahead for the event.
In a statement provided to The Washington Post, ESA CEO Stanley Pierre-Louis mentioned,
Saying farewell to such a cherished event is undoubtedly challenging, yet it’s the appropriate decision considering the fresh avenues our industry possesses to engage with fans and partners.
The decline of E3 is largely attributed to the convenience and cost-effectiveness that companies and developers find in reaching their audience through various online events and gaming announcements of their own.
Major players like Sony PlayStation and Microsoft regularly host events to unveil hardware and upcoming games. Nintendo notably introduced its Direct events back in 2011 as a means to showcase their latest announcements.
In-person gaming events like The Game Awards, Gamescom, and Summer Fest, hosted by Geoff Keighley, have emerged as viable replacements for E3, offering safe alternatives. The future of these events, including large-scale tech gatherings such as CES and MWC, remains uncertain, whether they will flourish or follow the path of E3.
The official cancellation of E3 may evoke sadness among its dedicated followers. As for in-person tech events, opinions may vary on whether they should continue or face cancellation. Your thoughts on this matter are valuable, feel free to share them in the comments below.
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