E3, the iconic gaming expo that once graced the bustling streets of Los Angeles
Decades of highs and lows have defined the journey of E3, the iconic gaming expo that once graced the bustling streets of Los Angeles. Born in the mid-90s, the event experienced a decade of flourishing success, only to face adversity in the mid-00s, leading to downsizing and relocation from the LA Convention Center.
A pivotal moment came when E3 embraced the public in the following decade, injecting new vitality into the event. Yet, in 2020, the world, and E3 along with it, came to an abrupt halt due to the global pandemic. The in-person gathering succumbed to COVID, and attempts at a virtual substitute faltered. The Entertainment Software Association (ESA), the show’s organizer, salvaged an online event in 2021, only to cancel the following year. E3 2023 was a no-show, and there are no plans for a return in 2024.
Today’s announcement by the ESA officially marks the end of E3. Such decisions are always tough, and the winding down of significant organizations/events is a gradual process. The ESA likely explored every feasible option before reluctantly acknowledging the final farewell. In a brief statement, the organization expressed gratitude, saying, “After more than two decades of E3, each one bigger than the last, the time has come to say goodbye. Thanks for the memories.”
The claim that each E3 was “bigger than the last” might be a tad misleading, as the recounted history suggests. Nevertheless, the profound impact E3 had on the gaming world is undeniable. In its prime, E3 epitomized the epitome of gaming, brimming with excitement, innovation, and life. Major titles and next-gen consoles were unveiled, booths were nothing short of world-class, and gamers showcased their prowess at throwing unforgettable parties.
Even before the pandemic, the expo’s success seemed precarious. The buzz relied heavily on the “big three” gaming giants—Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo—whose interest in E3 dwindled as the consumer tech market shifted toward single-company press conferences. The emergence of virtual events further dimmed the allure of traditional expos.
Personally, bidding farewell to E3 brings a sense of loss. The annual extravaganza transformed downtown LA into a strange and wonderful realm for a week. However, the era of gaming companies renting out the once Staples Center for a grand June night may now be a thing of the past.
