After weeks of speculation fueled in no small part by all the big gaming companies pulling out of the event, The Electronic Software Association has officially announced the cancellation of E3 2023. E3 is wildly considered THE gaming event of the year since its first event in 1995.
After taking a break from in-person events due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 2023 was set to be the return of E3. Still, the larger gaming industry has remained focused on digital events, leading to the convention’s cancellation.
When the convention didn’t happen last year, The Electronic Software Association released a statement saying the event wasn’t cancelled. Instead, it was postponed to 2023, where it would return with a revitalised showcase, focusing on combining industry events and fan engagement.
However, The Electronic Software Association has now cancelled all in-person and online event plans. In a public statement from E3 organiser ReedPop, the cancellation was explained as needing to garner more interest to deliver the size and scope of an event that would be expected.
News on #E32023 from the source. pic.twitter.com/BK7TUlb8mZ
— E3 (@E3) March 30, 2023
ReedPop further elaborated on the cancellation, saying that few, if any, of the interested partners could not have playable demos ready and that “resourcing challenges” made attending E3 too large an obstacle. This cancellation has led to speculation that E3 might be closing its convention doors for good.
Still, both The Electronic Software Association and ReedPop have released statements saying they will continue to work together on future E3 events, so only time will tell if these plans can materialise.