Farewell to an Era: E3, Iconic Gaming Expo, Officially Ends After Over Two Decades

The Electronic Entertainment Expo, E3, a longstanding annual showcase for the gaming industry in Los Angeles since 1995, has officially come to an end. The Entertainment Software Association (ESA), which hosted the event, announced the decision, citing challenges faced even before the COVID-19 pandemic.

E3 had been on hiatus since its cancellation in June 2020 due to the pandemic. Despite a virtual-only attempt in 2021, plans for a physical comeback this year were thwarted when major players like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo opted out.

In an emailed statement on Tuesday, the ESA declared the conclusion of E3 after over two decades of serving as a central hub for the global gaming industry. Moving forward, the ESA expressed its commitment to supporting member companies and the industry workforce.

Initially a trade show in the '90s, E3 evolved into a highly anticipated global event where gaming giants unveiled their projects for the upcoming years. The absence of key players like Microsoft and Sony, coupled with the trend of companies organizing their events, signaled a decline for E3.

Ross Symons, CEO of Australian gaming studio BigAnt, reflected on E3 as more than just a trade show, describing it as a celebration of the video game industry that brought together enthusiasts from around the world. Symons emphasized the significance of E3 for the Australian gaming community and lamented its loss, reminiscing about memorable moments, including star-studded parties and iconic reveals.