In a significant development, the organizers of the renowned Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), a prominent video game convention, have officially declared the permanent closure of the event. E3, established in 1995, was an eagerly awaited annual gathering in Los Angeles, serving as a platform for gaming companies to unveil their latest products before their market release.
Managed by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), E3 encountered challenges even prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, with several companies opting to either skip the event or host independent gatherings in close proximity. Following the cancellation of the 2020 edition due to the pandemic, E3 attempted to transition to a virtual-only format in 2021, with plans for a comeback this year. However, the revival faced setbacks with the notable absence of industry giants Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo. Consequently, the ESA made the decision to bring an end to E3.
According to reports from the Washington Post, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) officially announced the termination of the expo in an emailed statement on Tuesday. The ESA conveyed its decision to conclude E3 after over two decades of serving as a central showcase for the US and global video game industry. The organization expressed its commitment to shifting its focus towards supporting member companies and the broader industry workforce.
E3, which originated as a trade show in the 1990s, evolved into a globally anticipated event for video gamers. Major companies traditionally utilized the platform to unveil upcoming projects for the following year and beyond. Memorable moments from past events include the debut of the Wii, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360 consoles at the 2005 event, as reported by the Washington Post.
The decline of world’s biggest expo can be attributed to various factors, including Sony PlayStation’s departure from the event in 2018, leading to a domino effect of vendors and companies withdrawing their participation. The subsequent exit of former E3 collaborator and journalist Geoff Keighley further contributed to the event’s downturn. Geoff Keighley has since successfully organized independent events, such as the Summer Game Fest, and has played a significant role in enhancing the showcase format at the annual Game Awards.
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