In a statement provided to iGamesNews, it appears that not only is E3 dead, but there are no discussions surrounding a potential sale of the E3 brand.
The statement, provided to iGamesNews via email, reads: “ESA has not had any conversations about giving away or selling E3. ESA remains the sole owner of the E3 event and brand.”
iGamesNews also obtained a separate statement from ESA President and CEO Stanley Pierre-Louis: “After more than two decades as the central showcase for the U.S. and global video game industry, ESA has decided to end E3. Our focus and priority at ESA remains to advocate for ESA member companies and industry employees who drive positive cultural and economic impact every day.”
iGamesNews
This announcement comes after the official E3 Twitter account suddenly announced that E3 – the annual event that hosts various video game publishers and developers – has ended. In the context of its last big reveal, the farewell post read: “After over two decades of E3, with each edition bigger than the last, it’s time to say goodbye. Thank you for the memories.”
Which begs the question: What’s the ultimate fate if E3 doesn’t sell? When asked what ESA planned to do with the E3 brand as the sole owner, Aubrey Quinn, senior vice president of communications and public affairs, responded: “The only news today is that ESA has decided to discontinue E3. 2019 was the last in-person show, and 2021 will be a virtual event.” E3 is the ultimate E3. There are no future plans for the E3 brand.”
It looks like E3 is really over, for real this time. What a show and what a legacy. We now appear to be firmly in the Jeff Keighley era in terms of US gaming calendar events. Of course, Europe still has Gamescom, and Japan still has Tokyo Game Show. But as of today, one of the pillars of the video game industry has collapsed.
Goodbye, E3.
