The Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) has not been held in person since 2019, and the prospect of its return in 2024 and 2025 seems uncertain, particularly at the Los Angeles Convention Center. A planning document shared on ResetEra from the LA City Tourism Commission suggests that the video game trade show has canceled its live event for the next two years. The document’s Convention Sales data explicitly mentions the cancellation of E3 for 2024 and 2025.
However, the Electronic Software Association (ESA) has not definitively confirmed the complete cancellation of the event. In response to inquiries, the ESA stated that it is currently engaged in discussions with its members and other stakeholders regarding E3 2024 and beyond. They emphasized that no final decisions have been made at this time, as reported by BuyTechBlog.
The future of E3 remains uncertain. Despite not hosting a live trade show since the cancellation of E3 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ESA organized a digital-only event in 2021. However, neither the in-person nor digital versions of the show returned in 2022.
Following the cancellation of the show in 2023, ESA President and CEO Stanley Pierre-Louis acknowledged that E3 might need to undergo changes to ensure its survival. He stated that E3 would evolve to meet the needs of companies seeking to market on a global platform, emphasizing the importance of adapting how people engage with the event over time, as highlighted in an interview with GamesIndustry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about E3, video game trade show.
Q: Has E3 been canceled for 2024 and 2025?
A: According to a planning document shared by the LA City Tourism Commission, E3’s live event at the Los Angeles Convention Center has been canceled for 2024 and 2025. However, the Electronic Software Association (ESA) has not made a final decision yet and is in discussions regarding the future of E3.
Q: Will E3 return as a digital-only event?
A: While the ESA organized a digital-only event for E3 in 2021, there is no confirmation if it will return as a digital-only event for 2024 or 2025. The ESA is currently considering the needs of companies and players in determining the format and engagement of future E3 events.
Q: Why hasn’t E3 been held in person since 2019?
A: E3 has not been held in person since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The global health crisis resulted in the cancellation of the live trade show in 2020 and subsequent years, leading to discussions about the necessity for E3 to adapt and evolve to meet the changing needs of the industry.
Q: What changes are being considered for the future of E3?
A: The ESA, the organizing body of E3, recognizes the need for the trade show to evolve to meet the needs of companies and players. Changes in how people engage with E3 are being considered to ensure its survival as a global platform for marketing and showcasing video games.
Q: Is there any official confirmation about the future of E3?
A: While the planning document indicates the cancellation of the live event at the LA Convention Center for 2024 and 2025, the ESA has not made a final decision yet. They are actively engaged in conversations with their members and stakeholders to determine the future direction of E3.
More about E3, video game trade show.
- ResetEra thread discussing E3 2024 and 2025 cancellations
- BuyTechBlog article on ESA’s discussions about E3 2024 and beyond
- GamesIndustry interview with ESA President and CEO Stanley Pierre-Louis on the future of E3
2 comments
COVID has really messed up everything, even E3! No live events since 2019? Wow! But hey, digital events in 2021 were cool. Hope ESA considers dat option again if no in-person E3.
Wait, E3 may not happen in LA Convention Center for the next 2 years? Dat’s a bummer! I luvd watchin dem live events. ESA better get deir act 2gether and make it work, for real!