For anyone who don’t know what “E3” stands for, the answer is “Electronic Entertainment Expo.” It is a convention for “electronic entertainment” like video games. Although the words “Electronic” and “Entertainment” are broad words, that can apply to any kind of industry, the strong focus of E3 is Video Games. E3 is owned by both a company and organization. “ESA” stands for “Entertainment Software Association,” and it’s a non-profit organization that promotes and advocates for Video Games. ESRB was formed in April 1994 as Interactive Digital Software Association (IDSA), and then renamed as ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board) in 2003 after the controversy of games like Mortal Kombat (1992), Night Trap (1992), Doom (1993), and other violent or sexual games. Congress forced the video game industry to create a “ratings board” or they’ll step in and create one themselves, IDSA was the result.
E3 has been a popular games convention since its inception. However, since 2008, ESA and E3 has been experimenting with business models for the convention after backlash from game companies about downsizing the event. 2020’s pandemic threw ESA and E3 for a loop. ESA was scrambling to restructure the event to a digital event. As if that wasn’t enough, there was a data leak in August 2019.
Recently, insiders revealed on Twitter that ESA has been e-mailing journalists, youtubers, or other media influencers, in addition to publishers, and event sponsors about a possible E32022, it was decided that, ultimately… nobody wanted to take the risk of allocating funds, scheduling time, and/or planning events around E32022. ESA was originally planning a in-person event, along with a digital event. However, it was decided that in-person event was not going to happen, and following that determination… ESA completely …completely canceled E32022. Their official excuse is the following…
E3 will return in 2023 with a reinvigorated showcase that celebrates new and exciting video games and industry innovations.
We previously announced that E3 would not be held in person in 2022 due to the ongoing health risks surrounding COVID-19. Today, we announce that there will also be no digital E3 showcase in 2022.
Instead, we will devote all our energy and resources to delivering a revitalized physical and digital E3 experience next summer. Whether enjoyed from the show floor or your favorite devices, the 2023 showcase will bring the community, media, and industry back together in an all-new format and interactive experience.
We look forward to presenting E3 to fans around the world live from Los Angeles in 2023.
Look for more news and announcements soon.
Well, there goes E32022.
