E3 2023 is canceled. The announcement comes after multiple developers and studios announced they will not attend the gaming showcase. ReedPop and the Entertainment Software Association have made a formal announcement on Twitter.
News on #E32023 from the source. pic.twitter.com/BK7TUlb8mZ
— E3 (@E3) March 30, 2023
Is E3 dead?
E3 debuted on May 11, 1995. It showcases the future of technology in the gaming industry. Many industry tycoons appeared at E3 to give fans, new and old, a fresh look at what’s to come from new and old IPs. Since then, E3 has hit a snag for a multitude of reasons.
For this year, E3 2023 seemed doomed from the onset. Plans were made in June of 2022 for a fully digital and physical show for E3 2023. ESA was partnering with ReedPop, known for operating PAX events, New York Comicon, and Star Wars Celebration. All seemed to be going well until now. Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo all announced they would not be in attendance for E3. However, Microsoft did confirm it would hold a digital event instead of being on the show floor. Nintendo, however, stated that its attendance for E3 2023 was not in the plans. Ubisoft, Sega, and Tencent all followed suit.
These departures left ESA no choice but to cancel E3 2023. This is their second consecutive cancellation, as E3 2022 was canceled due to COVID-19.
With studios’ ability to showcase their products with more control, ESA could not adjust to industry standards. The rise of Summer Game Fest made gaming showcases more refreshing than ever. Despite that, it is still sad that E3 is a shell of what it once was.
Let us know how you’re feeling below about E3 2023’s cancellation.
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