Deadline reported a tough blow to the gaming community today as the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) announced the official and indefinite cancellation of the E3 gaming expo. E3 has been held at the Los Angeles Convention Center since 1995. For decades, it has been the go-to place for game developers to reveal their secrets. Every year tens of thousands of gamers would make the pilgrimage to LA hoping to get the first glimpse of their favorite franchises.
E3 was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and in 2021 a digital convention was held. But this seems to have triggered a snowball effect because the ESA canceled the event scheduled last June, foreshadowing today’s announcement. The association explained that the lack of interest in the event no longer reflects the power of the industry.
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Over the last several years, more and more big-name developers have been opting out of E3. Powerhouse names in gaming like Microsoft, Nintendo and Ubisoft had previously announced they would skip the now-canceled event. With easier, more convenient and cheaper ways to reach fans, many companies are choosing to host their own digital showcases like Nintendo Direct and Playstation State of Play.
I was never fortunate enough to attend E3 in person but growing up it always seemed like the place to be for gamers. “Someday I’ll make it there,” I used to tell myself every year and now that dream will never come true. I was fortunate enough to attend the Penny Arcade Expo South for several years before it too was canceled in 2021. Life-long memories were made with friends at these events and it saddens me to see the end of this era.
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The gaming event industry is changing, mostly due to the pandemic and ever-expanding digital outlets. Gaming, for the most part, is online nowadays and it makes sense that these events reflect that trend. Gamers have turned their sights to The Game Awards for the latest in gaming these days.
What do you think this means for the video game industry? Tell us in the comments below!
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