The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has officially announced the end of E3, the games industry’s former flagship annual event.
E3, which started in 1995, had been the most important convention in the gaming industry for decades. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of alternatives such as the Summer Game Fest led to rumors about the cancellation of E3 2024 and 2025.
The ESA decided to end E3 based on changes in gamers’ habits during the pandemic and the withdrawal of several of ESA’s former partners from the event. Major gaming companies started following the model of Nintendo Direct, which was launched in 2011.
Considering the unprofitability of E3 2021, which cost the organizations $6 million and generated only $3.4 million, it’s not surprising that the ESA decided to end it. Without strong partnerships, reversing this trend would be difficult.
With E3 no more, the largest gaming conventions still standing are the Tokyo Game Show, Brasil Game Show, Taipei Game Show, and Gamescom. However, none of them have the same legacy and historical importance as E3.
While some events die, others thrive. Summer Game Fest, set in Los Angeles like the defunct E3, is already confirmed for 2024 and has the confirmed presence of Xbox, Capcom, Annapurna Interactive, and others.
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