The ESA Officially Discontinues E3

The Entertainment Software Association has formally announced the conclusion of E3, marking the end of a long-standing event in the gaming industry. This news was simultaneously shared on social media and through an article in the Washington Post, titled "E3, once gaming’s biggest expo, is officially dead." Stanley Pierre-Louis, the ESA's president and CEO, explained that after over two decades of hosting E3 as a central showcase for the US and global video game industry, the ESA has decided to discontinue the event. Pierre-Louis acknowledged the industry's and fans' passion for E3, stating, "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 further emphasized that companies now have various means to connect with consumers and business partners, including their own individual showcases. The ESA's social media statement simply read: "After more than two decades of E3, each one bigger than the last, the time has come to say goodbye. Thanks for the memories." Notably, ReedPop, the parent company of GamesIndustry.biz, was initially set to manage E3 2023, following an online version in 2021 and cancellations in 2020 and 2022. However, this year's event was cancelled in March 2023, with Pierre-Louis stating that the ESA remained committed to providing a platform for industry marketing. The partnership between ReedPop and the ESA regarding E3 ultimately ended in September.