What Was the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3)?

The ESA only sporadically held E3 events during the 2020s, and it eventually announced that the event is over for good. The final E3 was June 11-16, 2023.

What Was E3?

E3 was an annual event sponsored by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) for software developers, hardware manufacturers, and video game publishers. The event was sort of like the gaming industry's answer to CES (an annual consumer electronics event); hundreds of exhibitors with new and upcoming products showed off game demos, host presentations, and showcase the latest in video games and innovative technologies over several days.

The major press briefings came from hardware makers Microsoft (Xbox), Nintendo, and Sony (PlayStation). E3 also hosted presentations from major developers and publishers, like Ubisoft, Bethesda, and more.

E3 was the main event for new game and console announcements every year. Alternatives like Summer Game Fest and The Game Awards have taken over that role once the industry saw that E3 2024 wasn't going to happen.

What Happened to E3?

The main reason for the ESA calling off E3 was the COVID-19 pandemic, which was still affecting development cycles and in-person events even several years after the initial lockdowns. Other factors were the general industry transition to digital events over public press briefings and the financial cost companies attending the event.

The ESA was apparently unable to find a balance between its in-person functions and digital marketing and decided to shutter the show.

Is E3 Dead?

It seems so. The official E3 website only contains a farewell message, which is about as definitive as you can get. Whether the ESA eventually puts on another show or not remains to be seen, but we aren't counting on it.