The Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), once considered the premier video game trade event, has officially come to a close. Continue reading for more details.

E3 Bows Out as the Gaming Industry Transforms

Stanley Pierre-Louis, President and CEO of the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), confirmed E3's termination in an interview with The Washington Post. The ESA CEO cited multiple reasons for E3's conclusion, including the rise of new competitors, withdrawals from major partners, shifting audience interests, and pandemic-related disruptions.

As the U.S. video game industry's trade association, the ESA recognized E3's historic importance but stressed the need to move on from the cherished showcase. Pierre-Louis remarked, "We understand it's hard to say farewell to such a beloved event, but it's the correct decision considering the fresh avenues our industry now has to connect with fans and partners."

E3's Steady Decline

E3, where leading game developers traditionally revealed flagship games and trailers, had been losing momentum for years as companies increasingly chose independent streaming events for major reveals. Pierre-Louis noted that the rising popularity of digital press conferences like Nintendo Direct also contributed to E3's downfall.

Recent revival efforts failed to reverse E3's downward trajectory. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified these challenges, as quarantine protocols pushed numerous publishers toward online presentations.

While E3's closure ends an era, the ESA is actively pursuing new options. Pierre-Louis told The Washington Post that he views this shift as the gaming business flourishing through diverse channels. "Each major company can host its own showcase...and collaborate with other industry events to demonstrate the wide range of games," he explained. "This is an exciting development for our industry, creating opportunities to engage viewers in innovative ways."