The Electronic Entertainment Expo, popularly known as E3, is now officially gone forever. This was confirmed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), Stanley Pierre-Louis.
Gone for Good
Recently, the official X/Twitter account of E3 tweeted: "After more than two decades of E3, each one bigger than the last, the time has come to say goodbye. Thanks for the memories."
Speaking to the Washington Post, Pierre-Louis said that there are a few major reasons why the organization had to cancel the show for good. First, companies like Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo have started making their own shows that directly communicate with the target audiences.
Second, partners have started withdrawing their support for E3, with Geoff Keighley as one of the most prominent figures, along with other advertisers and companies.
Third, the Covid-led restrictions in 2020 have forced companies to showcase their games completely online. While E3 did follow the trend in 2021, the ESA had to cancel the show in 2022 to "revitalize" the event for this year. However, we now know that this is no longer the case since it has officially been shut down.
Pierre-Louis expressed that he shares the same passion that a lot of people have for E3. "We know it's difficult to say goodbye to such a beloved event, but it's the right thing to do given the new opportunities our industry has to reach fans and partners," he said.
Over the Years
E3 was born as a way for gamers and media to get together and enjoy what upcoming games the community can expect. In 2000, for example, esteemed game creator Hideo Kojima showcased Metal Gear Solid 2 which had fans roaring with excitement.
How about Sony's blunders in 2006? From the embarrassing reveal of the PlayStation 3 to the hilarious gameplay footage that showed nothing but basic "features."
The infamous "Have you ever wondered what the bottom of an avatar's shoe looks like" had the internet laughing so hard that it is still one of the funniest things that happened in E3. This was when Microsoft debuted its motion control peripheral, the Microsoft Kinect. Despite the "futuristic" technology at the time, it did not impress the audience at all. Well, Bam!
Sad Farewell
Back when purely digital events were not a thing, people actually went to E3. It was a yearly gathering of gamers and journalists who love games. That is why it is understandable that the community is saddened by the news.
X/Twitter user @Colteastwood said that the ESA was responsible for bringing thousands of gaming fans together. "It's so disappointing that you couldn't push forward through changes," they added.
The @nbajambook tweeted, "In the '90s, there was no greater gaming dream than going to E3 and witnessing the hottest new games in person."
Another person said that E3 was the event that made the gaming industry come together. They continued that the memories they had while attending E3 over the years will always be with them. They're hoping that one day, the annual gaming event will come back stronger than ever.
What can you say about this? Do you have any fond memories of E3? Let us know in the comments!
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