The ESA claims that E3 will return in 2023

E3 has had a tough time as of late. Ever since COVID-19, the annual gaming event has struggled to transition from being in-person to digital. Additionally, publishers have found great success in going solo and hosting their own game showcases. The ESA has now announced that despite being cancelled in 2020 and 2022, E3 will return in both physical and digital forms in 2023.

Talking to The Washington Post, president and CEO of the ESA – Stan Pierre-Louis – announced that “We’re excited about coming back in 2023 with both a digital and an in-person event,” saying “As much as we love these digital events, and as much as they reach people and we want that global reach, we also know that there’s a really strong desire for people to convene — to be able to connect in person and see each other and talk about what makes games great.”

Discussing the many conferences which have popped up in the wake of E3’s absence, Pierre-Louis said “I think what’s great about all this experimentation is that companies of all sizes are trying to figure out what works best to promote the product and the content that they are looking to share with consumers. And I think there is a space for a physical show; I think there’s an importance of having digital reach. Combining those two, I think there is a critical element of what we think E3 can provide.”

There is no denying that some of the most exciting gaming announcements in history have taken place at E3. That being said, there is an argument to be made that E3 is no longer needed. Eventually time will tell whether there is still space in the industry for the Electronic Entertainment Expo. We will have to wait and see.

KitGuru says: What do you think of the ESA’s statements? Should E3 return in 2023? What is your favourite E3 conference of all time? Let us know down below.

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