The Electronic Entertainment Expo, which was once the gaming industry's biggest convention and media platform, is officially dead.
"After more than two decades of hosting an event that has served as a central showcase for the U.S. and global video game industry," the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has decided to bring E3 to a close, said Stanley Pierre-Louis, president and CEO of the nonprofit trade association that represents the games industry's interests in the United States.
A mix of new competitors, partner withdrawals, changing audience habits and pandemic-era disruptions led to E3's collapse, ending years of attempts to resuscitate the event, which began in 1995.
"We know the entire industry, players and creators alike have a lot of passion for E3. We share that passion," Pierre-Louis said. "We know it's difficult to say goodbye to such a beloved event, but it's the right thing to do given the new opportunities our industry has to reach fans and partners."