What Happened to E3? Has E3 Been Canceled?
by Rubaditsha
Updated Jun 12, 2023
E3
E3, also known as the Electronic Entertainment Expo, is a significant trade event in the United States for the video game industry. Organized and presented by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), E3 serves as a platform for developers, publishers, hardware manufacturers, and accessory makers to showcase and promote their upcoming games and game-related merchandise to retailers and the press.
The event features an exhibition floor where participants can display their titles and products that will be available in the coming year. Press conferences are typically held by publishers and hardware manufacturers before and during E3 to announce new games and products.
Historically, E3 has been regarded as the most important and influential gaming expo of the year. Prior to 2017, E3 was an industry-exclusive event, and individuals were required to demonstrate a professional affiliation with the video game industry to attend.
However, with the advent of streaming media, some of the press conferences started being broadcasted to the public, aiming to increase visibility. In 2017, E3 opened its doors to the public for the first time, offering 15,000 general-admittance passes for those interested in attending.
From 1995 to 2006, and then again from 2008 to 2019, E3 took place annually in June at the Los Angeles Convention Center. However, the event faced disruptions in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of the 2020 edition, and in 2021, the event was held online.
In 2022, still dealing with the impact of the pandemic, E3 was completely canceled. The ESA had planned a full in-person convention for 2023, partnering with ReedPop to organize a new format. However, due to several publishers already establishing their own digital events or participating in the Summer Game Fest organized by journalist Geoff Keighley, few committed to E3 2023 or withdrew their participation.
As a result, the ESA decided to cancel the 2023 event and utilize the time to assess potential changes for future shows. The cancellation of E3 2023 reflects the evolving landscape of video game marketing and the need to adapt to industry dynamics. The ESA intends to evaluate feedback and make necessary adjustments to ensure the continued relevance and effectiveness of E3 as a platform for industry promotion and networking.
What Happened to E3?
E3, which was once the largest and most renowned video game industry show, faced numerous challenges that led to its cancellation in 2023. Several factors contributed to the downfall of E3, including the disinterest of major companies in exhibiting and last-minute withdrawals by companies that had initially committed to participating.
The show had always been somewhat fragile, especially after its heyday prior to 2006. When one significant player pulled out, it created uncertainty among others. Additionally, the physical event had been canceled for the previous two years due to the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting restrictions. However, in 2021, E3 did host a digital-only showcase.
This year was meant to be a triumphant return for E3 as a live, in-person event, thanks to a collaboration between the original showrunners, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), and event organizers ReedPOP. Unfortunately, it was officially confirmed that E3 2023 had to be canceled because nearly every major video game publisher and developer, including industry giants like Sony, Nintendo, Xbox, and Ubisoft, pulled out.
An email sent to attendees, as quoted by gaming outlet IGN, revealed that the cancellation was due to insufficient sustained interest, preventing the event from showcasing the size, strength, and impact of the industry effectively.
The demise of E3 2023 bears resemblance to the aftermath of the 2006 show, which was the largest and most extravagant E3 ever. Back then, with the PlayStation 3 vs. Xbox 360 rivalry at its peak, companies spent millions of dollars on elaborate stands.
However, the growing crowds (no longer limited to business and press but open to anyone with a website and business card) and the exorbitant costs associated with the central Los Angeles Staples Center venue caused the show to collapse as industry giants questioned the return on their investment. Activision was the first to withdraw, followed by EA and eventually other companies.
This time, the challenge was further exacerbated by E3's return after the Covid-19 pandemic. The difficulties faced by E3 in 2023 proved insurmountable, ultimately leading to its cancellation. In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Stanley Pierre-Louis, the president and CEO of the ESA, highlighted three key factors that contributed to the downfall of E3 2023.
First, the timeline for game development had been disrupted by the pandemic. Second, economic uncertainties caused companies to reconsider their investment in large marketing events. And third, companies were exploring the right balance between in-person events and digital marketing opportunities.
During the pandemic, many companies embraced alternative arrangements and organized their own shows to cater to the thriving gaming market. The return of E3 revealed a transformed landscape, and for some companies, the potential benefits were not substantial enough to justify their participation.
The cancellation of E3 may be viewed as the end of an era by many, but others see it as a minor setback for one of the gaming industry's major events. Fortunately, other events, like GDC 2023, continue to thrive. While E3 is expected to make a comeback, the future shape and form of the show remain uncertain.
In the meantime, for those seeking a show that captures the excitement of E3 but offers a more focused experience, better value for money, and convenient international locations, exploring the schedule for Pocket Gamer Connects may be a worthwhile alternative.
Is E3 2023 Canceled?
E3 2023, the highly anticipated video game expo, has been officially cancelled, as announced by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) and ReedPop. The event, originally scheduled to take place from June 13th to June 16th at the Los Angeles Convention Center, will not be held in any form, whether digital or physical.
The cancellation of E3 2023 comes after the event did not take place in 2022. In an effort to revive the show for 2023, the ESA had partnered with ReedPop, the parent company of GamesIndustry.biz. However, major industry players such as Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft opted not to support the event.
Stanley Pierre-Louis, the president and CEO of the ESA, shed light on the factors that led to the cancellation of E3 2023. He cited three primary challenges that proved insurmountable. Firstly, the COVID-19 pandemic had disrupted the game development timeline, causing delays and alterations.
Secondly, economic uncertainties prompted companies to reevaluate their investments in large-scale marketing events. Lastly, companies were experimenting with the optimal balance between physical and digital marketing opportunities.
The ESA remains committed to fulfilling its role as an industry advocate and providing a platform for industry marketing and convening. However, Pierre-Louis emphasized the need to adapt to the evolving needs of the industry. The ESA aims to strike a balance that caters to the current and ongoing requirements of the industry. They are mindful of the changing landscape and are exploring ways to create a sustainable model for the future.
Regarding the possibility of E3 returning in 2024, Pierre-Louis stated that the ESA is actively listening to industry feedback and will share more news when appropriate. It is implied that if E3 does make a comeback, it may undergo significant changes or a reimagining to align with the industry's evolving landscape.
While the cancellation of E3 raises questions about the state of the market, the ESA reassured its commitment to industry advocacy and providing opportunities to showcase the creativity and innovation within the video game industry.
E3 has been a long-standing and important part of the ESA's efforts, but their focus extends beyond the event itself. The ESA will continue its day-to-day roles in advocating for the industry and its workforce, highlighting the positive economic and cultural impact of the video game industry.
Why Has E3 Been Canceled?
E3 2023 has been canceled due to a combination of factors. Despite initial plans and commitments from organizers ReedPop and the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) to hold the event, several major game publishers decided to withdraw from E3 2023.
Companies like PlayStation, Electronic Arts, Activision, Nintendo, Ubisoft, Sega, and Tencent had either already pulled out of E3 in previous years or announced their intentions to host their own showcase events elsewhere. The absence of these prominent names left the ESA and ReedPop without the key players that make E3 a significant industry event.
Stanley Pierre-Louis, the president of the ESA, acknowledged the challenges faced in organizing E3 2023. He cited three primary reasons for the cancellation. First, the COVID-19 pandemic had disrupted game development timelines, impacting the readiness of some publishers to showcase their games at the event. Second, economic uncertainties caused companies to reassess their investment in large marketing events like E3.
And third, the industry as a whole is exploring the right balance between in-person events and digital marketing opportunities. As for E3 2024, its prospects are uncertain. The cancellation of E3 2023, coupled with the challenges and changes in the gaming industry, will make it difficult for the ESA to bounce back. If E3 does return in the future, it is unlikely to follow the same format as before.
The ESA aims to provide an industry platform for marketing and convening, but they recognize the need to find the right balance that meets the evolving needs of the industry. They will be listening to feedback and ensuring that any future offerings align with industry requirements. At this time, no specific details about E3 2024 have been provided.
Will there be an E3 2024?
Considering the current circumstances and the challenges faced by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), the prospect of E3 returning in 2024 is uncertain. While the ESA remains committed to providing a platform for marketing and convening within the gaming industry, they acknowledge the need to find the right balance that meets the evolving needs of the industry.
The cancellation of E3 2023 and the withdrawal of major publishers have posed significant obstacles for the event's future. The ESA will be closely evaluating the situation and taking into account feedback and industry demands to determine the best course of action. Therefore, whether E3 will take place in 2024 or not remains uncertain at this time.
What Happened to E3:FAQs
E3 faced numerous challenges that led to its cancellation in 2023. Major video game publishers and developers, including Sony, Nintendo, Xbox, and Ubisoft, pulled out, resulting in a lack of sustained interest. This, along with disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, economic uncertainties, and companies exploring different marketing strategies, contributed to the downfall of E3.
E3 is a renowned gaming convention that offers industry attendees, journalists, and players a glimpse of upcoming titles and new hardware. It has been considered one of the biggest gaming events globally.
E3 2023 was cancelled due to several major game publishers pulling out of the event. This, combined with changes in game development timelines and economic factors, made it challenging for the organizers to proceed with the show.
No, there will not be an E3 in 2023. Despite initial plans to hold the event, the cancellation was announced due to the withdrawal of significant industry players.
Although E3 2023 was cancelled, there will still be major press conferences and showcase events online, such as the Xbox Summer Showcase and Ubisoft Forward. Additionally, the Summer Game Fest organized by Geoff Keighley will feature trailers and announcements