The End of an Era: Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) Officially Discontinued

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has officially announced the closure of the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), a once-pivotal event in the gaming industry. This announcement marks the end of an era for a convention that has been a central showcase for both the U.S. and global video game industry for over two decades.

According to Stanley Pierre-Louis, President and CEO of the ESA, a combination of factors contributed to the decision to discontinue E3. These include the emergence of new competitors, partner withdrawals, evolving audience preferences, and disruptions caused by the pandemic. Despite efforts to revive the event, which has been a staple since 1995, these challenges ultimately led to its downfall.

E3 began as a trade show in response to the marginalization of video games at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Over the years, it transformed into a massive multimedia event, showcasing major consoles like the Wii, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360. It also became a platform for industry personalities, such as Hideo Kojima and Reggie Fils-Aimé, to gain fame.