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E3 2023’s cancelation shows how the gaming industry is changing

By Camila Domingues

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 11: Convention goers attend the E3 2019 at the Los Angeles Convention center on June 11, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for E3/Entertainment Software Association)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 11: Convention goers attend the E3 2019 at the Los Angeles Convention center on June 11, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for E3/Entertainment Software Association) /
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You know how excited we all get when E3 comes around every year: it’s that time when we get to see all the new and exciting games and technology that the video game industry has in store for us. But, unfortunately, this year’s E3 has been canceled, and while many were stunned, many more weren’t surprised.

According to The Verge, the main reason for the cancelation is that the event “simply did not garner the sustained interest necessary to execute it in a way that would showcase the size, strength, and impact of our industry.” The logistical challenges associated with hosting an in-person event impact E3 a little harsher since it is known for its elaborate and interactive booths and exhibits, which require a lot of resources and planning. With many companies scaling back their participation in recent years, it may not have been financially viable to host an event of the same scale as in previous years.

LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 12: Game enthusiasts and industry personnel visit the ‘Sony Playstation’ exhibit during the Electronic Entertainment Expo E3 at the Los Angeles Convention Center on June 12, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 12: Game enthusiasts and industry personnel visit the ‘Sony Playstation’ exhibit during the Electronic Entertainment Expo E3 at the Los Angeles Convention Center on June 12, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Why was E3 canceled in 2023? And will it be back?

A huge factor that contributed to the cancellation is the trend of companies hosting their own digital events, such as the Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase and Nintendo Direct. Much to E3’s disadvantage, these events have been a huge success, and rightfully so. With the increasing popularity of E3, the cost of renting booth space and creating elaborate exhibits has gone up considerably, making it difficult for some companies to justify the expense. With their own events, companies can not only save money but they also don’t need to compete for the spotlight.

While the cancelation of E3 2023 may have disappointed many gamers and industry professionals, it’s important to remember that as the video game industry continues to evolve and change, it’s natural for events like E3 to undergo similar changes. The rise of digital events hosted by individual companies may mean that events like E3 are no longer the central hub for gaming news and announcements, but it also opens up new opportunities for game publishers to connect with their fans in unique and exciting ways. So while we may miss the spectacle and excitement of E3, we can still look forward to all the amazing games and technology that the industry has in store for us, no matter how they are presented to us.

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