E3 has dropped any plans to host a digital conference this year, following January’s news that no in-person event will be held in 2022.
This year is the third in which the physical event for the Electronic Entertainment Expo hasn’t been hosted. The absence of a physical show was confirmed in January, with the Entertainment Software Association citing health and safety concerns regarding the pandemic as a reason. Several prominent journalists, however, indicated that the show had been internally scrapped before the Holidays
© ESA
Last year saw a virtual event take place in the physical show’s stead, but this year the ESA won’t be hosting E3 in any form whatsoever. Speaking with IGN, the ESA shared the following statement:
“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.”
The ESA did note that, even with a new planned format, the event will still take place in Los Angeles in 2023.
The lack of a digital event this year isn’t all too surprising given how many publishers opted to broadcast their own digital updates over the course of the year instead. In addition, shows like Geoff Keighley’s Summer Game Fest have offered stiff competition when it comes to breaking major updates and game reveals.
Excited to share that @SummerGameFest will return this June with a slate of events. We'll be producing another Kickoff Live show with announcements, news and first looks.
— Geoff Keighley (@geoffkeighley) March 31, 2022
Much more to share in the coming weeks, along with some very cool new elements for '22. pic.twitter.com/jjXLG8Xueh
Confirmation of Summer Game Fest 2022 was shared by Keighley swiftly after the news of E3’s cancellation, with the promise of “some very cool new elements for ‘22.” Summer Game Fest is due to take place in June this year.
