E3 2023 is cancelled
The organiser ESA has confirmed that E3 will not take place this year. It is likely to be the end of what was once the most important games trade fair.
After Ubisoft, the last major publisher, recently turned its back on E3, the news comes as little surprise. The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has started to inform attendees that the E3 games trade fair will not be taking place this year. There will be neither a local event in Los Angeles nor a digital alternative.
In an interview with the industry portal Gamesindustry, ESA President Stanley Pierre-Louis cites the coronavirus pandemic as the main reason. This has affected the games industry's schedule and its spending on major marketing events. As a result, only a few playable demos were available for E3.
After the trade fair was cancelled several times due to coronavirus, more and more major publishers such as Sony, Nintendo and Microsoft are holding their own events. Pierre-Louis says, "We are endeavouring to offer an industry platform for marketing and meetings". He leaves it open whether there will be another E3. However, the cancellation is likely to seal the end of E3.
Enough alternatives
The industry seems to have come to terms with the end of E3 for some time now. There will be numerous digital game events this summer. The following are already confirmed:
- June; Summer Game Fest: The event, organised by industry veteran Geoff Keighley, has already teased the new expansion to "Cyberpunk 2077"
- June; Xbox Games Showcase: Microsoft's alternative E3 event will showcase the latest games for Xbox and PC. In addition, there will be a "Starfield Direct" dedicated exclusively to the space adventure.
- June; Ubisoft Forward Live: Here you can expect new information on the upcoming "Assassin's Creed Mirage" and perhaps the final release date for "Skull & Bones". Ubisoft is always good for a surprise or two.
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