While 2023 was expected to bring back the grandeur of E3’s physical presence, that event never came to fruition. It seems like the video game industry’s biggest bash won’t be making a comeback anytime soon—at least not within the next few years. According to a report from the Los Angeles City Tourism Commission, there are no plans for E3 in 2024 or 2025. This information was tucked away in a footnote on a chart detailing hotel bookings for 2022 and 2023, essentially confirming that the city doesn’t foresee E3 returning soon. This news contrasts with statements made by ReedPop and the ESA, who had previously announced their partnership to breathe new life into E3. Earlier this year, the ESA teamed up with ReedPop, a renowned entertainment company responsible for major events like New York Comic-Con and Penny Arcade Expo, aiming to revitalize E3 2023. The Los Angeles show was in dire need of rejuvenation, and the ESA acknowledged that they had fallen short in adapting to market changes, particularly the rise of YouTubers, streamers, and other influencers shaping the video game world. However, officially speaking, if E3 2023 didn’t happen, it wasn’t due to a lack of organizational effort or desire for renewal; rather, game publishers simply weren’t ready with playable demos by June.
However, if E3 doesn’t make a comeback in 2024 or 2025, it might mean there are some other hurdles keeping the show from returning to its beloved home in Los Angeles. It’s worth noting that before LA became E3’s permanent address, the event was held in Atlanta, Georgia, and more recently, Las Vegas has been floated as a potential new venue. With its lower room rates and hotel costs compared to Los Angeles, Las Vegas could offer an attractive alternative for keeping expenses down while still hosting a fantastic gaming extravaganza.On the flip side, without E3 around, Geoff Keighley’s Summer Game Fest is likely to shine even brighter, especially since it already offers a hybrid format that’s gaining traction among publishers. Plus, in an email to The Verge, the ESA shared some exciting news: “The ESA is currently having conversations about E3 2024 (and beyond), and no final decision regarding the event has been made at this time.” So there’s still hope that we might see E3 return with a brand new twist!
