E3 Shuts Down Permanently, marking the end of an era for gamers and the video game industry. The annual gaming convention, once a pivotal event for video game companies to showcase their creations, has struggled to maintain relevance in the rapidly evolving gaming landscape.
E3, organized by the nonprofit Entertainment Software Association (ESA), had been a cornerstone of the gaming calendar since its inception in 1995. It provided a platform for game makers to unveil their latest creations, often accompanied by spectacular demonstrations. Over the years, E3 drew renowned celebrities such as Eminem and Rihanna, making it a star-studded affair.
Originally intended for journalists and industry professionals, E3’s popularity among fans led to changes, with the convention becoming an invite-only event in 2007. Nevertheless, it continued to attract up to 50,000 industry members each June.
However, as the gaming industry evolved, E3 faced growing competition from fan-focused conventions like Comic-Con, the Penny Arcade Expo, and MineCon. Furthermore, key industry players such as Nintendo and Sony reduced their presence at E3, choosing to unveil new games through alternative channels.
The shift in players’ habits also played a role in E3’s decline. Physical games, with discs in boxes, waned in popularity while mobile gaming surged, surpassing PC gaming in revenue in 2016. The industry shifted toward digital distribution, leaving E3 struggling to adapt.
— E3 (@E3) December 12, 2023
The COVID-19 pandemic dealt a severe blow to E3. The convention was canceled in 2020 and transitioned to a virtual format in 2021. Despite efforts to revive the event, it was canceled again in 2022 and never managed to recover.
“E3 Shuts Down Permanently” marks the end of an era in the gaming world. While bidding farewell, the ESA expressed its commitment to advocating for member companies and the industry workforce.
As gamers and industry professionals reflect on the memories and milestones E3 provided over the years, they acknowledge the changing landscape of the gaming industry and eagerly anticipate new avenues for connecting, showcasing, and celebrating the world of video games.
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