GamesIndustry.biz has reported that the odds of E3 taking another run at an event in the coming year after the cancellation of 2023’s show, are low.
ReedPop, the same folks behind PAX and who had initially signed to produce E3 in 2023 and beyond, have reportedly parted ways with the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) which organises E3, and the ESA has confirmed with the Los Angeles Convention Center, where E3’s in-person expo usually takes place, that it won’t be taking the show there in 2024.
While that doesn’t outright confirm that E3 2024 won’t go ahead in any capacity next year, it certainly puts a dark shadow of doubt over the possibility. Adding further cause for another E3-less year next year, GamesIndustry’s reporting claims that the ESA is working on “a complete reinvention” of the E3 show for 2025.
"We are committed to our role as a convenor for the industry and look forward to sharing news about E3 in the coming months" – ESA president and CEO Stanley Pierre-Louishttps://t.co/upS9UvVDEd
— GamesIndustry (@GIBiz) September 7, 2023
“We appreciate ReedPop’s partnership over the past 14 months and support their ongoing efforts to bring industry and fans together through their various events,” ESA president Stanley Pierre-Louis is quoted as saying in the report from GI, which happens to be owned by ReedPop.
“While the reach of E3 remains unmatched in our industry, we are continuing to explore how we can evolve it to best serve the video game industry and are evaluating every aspect of the event, from format to location. We are committed to our role as a convenor for the industry and look forward to sharing news about E3 in the coming months.”
“We have enjoyed our time working with the ESA and appreciate their commitment to the games industry as a whole,” ReedPop’s games events boss Kyle Marsden-Kish has added.
“While we will not be involved with the future of E3 we look forward to seeing its evolution and where the ESA takes it.”
Whatever happens, one thing is certain, and that’s that Geoff Keighley will be around to take up any air left behind by the ESA’s abstinence next year.
