E3 2023 has been canceled because of insufficient interest to fuel an event of its size, according to IGN. The Entertainment Software Association has sent an email out to members today to break the news. This year’s E3 was supposed to mark the return of the in-person convention. Still, many of the juggernaut developers and studios have chosen to forgo the event in favor of hosting their own or revealing projects via live stream. In fact, so many companies pulled out of E3 2023 that it seemed almost pointless to have it anyway.
No E3 in 2023
IGN reports that members received an email recently confirming the cancellation of E3 2023. While the Entertainment Software Association still views itself as a beloved event and brand, it fails to clarify whether or not they will attempt to rouse up interest and bring the show back next year or in the near future. IGN also received a statement from Kyle Marsden-Kish, the Global VP of Gaming for Reedpop, clarifying that canceling E3 2023 is a difficult decision, but they have to do what is right for the industry.
News on #E32023 from the source. pic.twitter.com/BK7TUlb8mZ
— E3 (@E3) March 30, 2023
E3 2023’s cancellation is not nearly the first time the company has had to pull out of a convention. In fact, it hasn’t hosted one since 2019, after it was forced to shut down in 2020 due to the pandemic.
It was announced last year that preparations were being made for its return, but developers haven’t shown the same devotion to the event as they have in the past. Nintendo, Xbox, and PlayStation have all pulled out of the event. This led many to wonder if E3 2023 would be canceled, as having nothing to show would make for a poor convention.
No E3 in 2023 is not much of a surprise when reading the room. Hopefully, the organizers can find a way to drum up enthusiasm for major players to return, or the event will forever remain a relic of the past.