E3, one of the world’s largest video game conventions, has struggled for years to maintain its presence in a rapidly evolving industry, but it has turned into a once-annual ritual for players and creators. will be permanently closed, organizers announced Tuesday.
“After more than 20 years of E3, each bigger than the last, it’s time to say goodbye,” organizers the nonprofit Entertainment Software Association announced. Website. “Thank you for the memories,” he said, adding “GGWP” – good game, well played.
The Electronic Entertainment Expo, known as E3, has been held in Los Angeles every year since 1995, except when it was canceled due to the pandemic. It was one of the most high-profile venues for game makers to show off their creations to fans before release, sometimes with eye-popping demonstrations. Celebrities such as Eminem and Rihanna also appeared.
E3 was originally aimed at journalists and industry professionals. However, the convention attracted so many fans that organizers scaled it down to an invitation-only conference in 2007. Still, it attracted up to 50,000 industry people each June.
E3 then faced competition from increasingly popular fan-centered conventions like Comic-Con, Penny Arcade Expo, and MineCon. It has also lost partners such as Nintendo and Sony, leading to a decline in its presence and choosing to publish new games elsewhere.
Players’ habits have also changed. While the popularity of physical games with discs in a box is declining, mobile games are on the rise. Overtake PC gaming The game business has transitioned to digital distribution.
During the pandemic, organizers canceled E3 in 2020 and held it virtually in 2021. It was canceled again in 2022 and never recovered. Permanent cancellation of E3 previously reported According to the Washington Post.
After announcing the end of E3, the Entertainment Software Association stated: Social media “We are focused on advocating for ESA member companies and industry employees.”