Is E3 Cancelled? Why is E3 Cancelled?
by Ruksana
Updated Dec 13, 2023
Is E3 Cancelled?
Yes, E3, which stands for the Electronic Entertainment Expo, has been officially canceled. The event, known for being a major video game convention held annually in Los Angeles since 1995, will not be taking place anymore.
Despite being on hiatus since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, E3 faced challenges even before the health crisis, with several companies choosing not to participate or hosting their events instead. The decision to cancel E3 was confirmed by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), the trade group that organized the event, on December 12, 2023.
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Why is E3 Cancelled?
The cancellation of E3 is attributed to a combination of factors. Even before the pandemic, E3 experienced a decline in participation, with major companies opting out of the convention or holding their separate events. The impact of COVID-19 further disrupted the traditional format of large in-person gatherings, prompting the organizers to host a virtual-only event in 2021.
Plans for a comeback in 2023 were dashed when industry giants Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo announced they would not attend. The rise of standalone presentations by publishers, the shifting landscape of gaming promotion, and concerns over the cost of exhibiting at E3 all contributed to its downfall.
Is E3 Permanently Cancelled?
Yes, E3 is permanently canceled. The ESA, in an official statement on December 12, 2023, announced the end of E3 after more than two decades of serving as a central showcase for the video game industry.
The decision reflects the challenges the event faced, including diminishing industry support, changing promotion strategies, and disruptions caused by the pandemic. Moving forward, the ESA expressed its commitment to supporting member companies and the broader video game industry's workforce, signaling the end of an era for E3.
E3
E3, or the Electronic Entertainment Expo, was a prominent American trade event for the video game industry. Organized by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), E3 served as a platform for developers, publishers, hardware manufacturers, and accessory makers to showcase upcoming games and related merchandise to retailers and the press. It was historically considered the largest and most prestigious gaming expo of the year.
However, its significance dwindled in recent years due to a decline in industry participation, changes in media consumption with streaming, and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The final blow came when major publishers withdrew from E3 2023, leading to its cancellation, and ultimately, the permanent discontinuation of the event in December 2023.
Is E3 Cancelled - FAQs
No, E3, the Electronic Entertainment Expo, has been officially canceled.
The decision to cancel E3 was confirmed on December 12, 2023.
E3 2023 was canceled due to major companies like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo choosing not to attend, along with other industry challenges.
E3 faced a decline before the pandemic due to companies opting out of the convention, hosting their events, and other participation challenges.
Yes, E3 was on hiatus since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.