Wow, it looks like E3 2023 has been cancelled. I’m not too surprised, though – the gaming industry has been shifting away from physical trade shows for a while now. Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony all started hosting their own events, and now even more companies like Tencent, Ubisoft and SEGA are following suit.
It’s not just COVID that’s the cause of this change – it’s the rise of digital events and streaming platforms that’s making physical trade shows like E3 less necessary. The Game Awards has become a huge celebration of games and the industry, with a larger mainstream presence and a focus on accolades and product releases. Sponsors are also investing more in digital events, which is making it easier for companies to move away from expensive physical trade shows.
While it’s possible that E3 may come back in the future, the cancellation of this year’s event marks the end of an era in the gaming industry. It’s clear that the way gaming announcements are made is changing, and companies are realizing that they can achieve the same results without the high costs associated with physical trade shows. As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how companies adapt and innovate to stay relevant in the ever-changing world of gaming.