An unexpected curveball was thrown at the gaming industry this week when it was announced that the long-standing Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) will be cancelled for 2020.
For over two decades, E3 has been a major event for game developers, publishers and gamers alike – bringing together some of the brightest minds in the business to showcase groundbreaking titles and define innovations in gaming.
With its indefinite postponement, there is sure to be significant disruption within an already volatile market as players nimbly adjust to an unknown future ahead.
A Look Back at the Origins of Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3)
Since its inception in 1995, the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) has become the premier annual global event for video game industry professionals and fans alike.
The first E3 allowed both developers and publishers to showcase their biggest upcoming titles on a whole new scale, revealing several titles that would go down in gaming history.
With more than 50,000 attendees from all over the world, it was clear that a strong interest for video games had sparked, leading to an ever-growing culture surrounding video games and their development.
Today, these shows of hype have become even larger and more popular as E3 continues to bring together enthusiasts from around the world to explore the latest and greatest advances in gaming technology.
It’s hard to imagine what gaming today would look like without this incredible event which reignited the passion man across all platforms long ago.
Devastating Effects of Cancelling E3 on the Gaming Industry
Cancelling E3, the longest-running video game expo in industry history, has had an undeniably devastating impact on the gaming landscape.
While some companies have managed to stay afloat with online marketing and conferences, many publishers and developers miss out on one of the biggest opportunities of the year – showcasing their upcoming titles to millions of eager fans around the globe.
Cancelled press conferences have been replaced by livestreams and internal tests. Not only have developers lost out on potential audience reach, but those who usually attend E3 each year are feeling the effects themselves – without in-person demos, they can’t get a sense for where the industry is headed until after a game has already been released.
The lack of events will likely cause delays in development cycles while companies struggle to find new ways to market their products.
In more ways than one, cancelling E3 might have serious implications for the future of gaming.
What Does Cancelling E3 Mean for Upcoming Gaming Releases This Year
Cancelling E3 this year has presented a unique challenge to gaming developers and consumers alike.
With many expected 2021 gaming releases being held back due to the pandemic, fans have been forced to stay in the dark with little to no information about what’s ahead for the coming year.
E3 had proven in recent years to be an important event for new announcements and updates concerning future game releases, but with the cancellation of this major trade show, there is much uncertainty concerning which games will still launch in 2021 and which ones will be delayed further into next year.
It’s uncertain what kind of impact this lack of knowledge will have on smaller studios who depend on hype generated at events such as E3, so it’ll be interesting to see how they attempt to keep gamers updated until events can start up again.
Impact on Smaller Game Developers Without an E3 Platform
In the world of the video game industry, there has been an ever-increasing trend of indie developers releasing innovative and quickly successful titles that weren’t able to make it to the annual Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3).
With no platform at E3 to showcase their games, these passionate developers have had a tougher time gaining exposure and finding success.
Until recently, smaller game developers without an E3 platform were not seen as equal players in the video game industry due to the lack of access to popular gaming magazines and websites.
However, with the power of social media and streaming services like Twitch, independent videogame developers increasingly have been given more opportunities for success.
Through platforms like these, small studios reach gamers directly and these larger outlets suffer lower profits due to this competition.
The impact of smaller developers has produced a flourishing indie scene as well as an intensified level of competition amongst established development companies -all thanks to how technology continues to revolutionize how consumers interact with their favorite forms of entertainment.
Alternate Solutions for Presenting Future Games and Events
Upcoming video game releases and events can now be experienced in new, exciting ways with the introduction of alternate solutions for presenting them. From virtual reality simulations that allow gamers to explore expansive worlds before any physical release occurs to online demonstrations they can watch from anywhere, both developers and gamers benefit. Developers have the power to control how their games are experienced while players get an immersive and interactive look at what’s coming.. Such solutions create a unique experience that allows gamers to become more involved in the building of anticipation for future projects and in staying informed about all relevant gaming news.
Ways to Support the Video Game Industry During this Difficult Time
The video game industry has been doing its best to continue providing amazing content for gamers all over the world during this difficult time.
Support for the industry is essential whether we are able to play together or not. It could be as simple as streaming games on your favorite platforms, downloading free-to-play titles, or buying a signed or secondhand game from an independent collector or retailer.
Every purchase helps not just developers and publishers but also artists, design teams, and other creators that make the gaming experience even more enjoyable.
Many developers and publishers are also offering directly discounted downloadable content (DLC) through digital stores like Steam that can help support their titles in meaningful ways.
So no matter what our situation might be right now, there’s always a way to appreciate the amazing games we still have access to and show our appreciation for the people behind them.
The cancelation of E3 has been a disappoint for the many enthusiasts and professionals alike in the gaming industry, however it is important to look to alternatives that can help us continue forward.
There are many ways individuals and businesses can keep alive the passion of gaming, from streaming events online to keeping current conversations going through social media platforms.
We may have lost an event in 2020; however there are lots of opportunities for upcoming releases and conventions yet this year, just like there were before E3 ever existed. Let’s come together, push through the difficulties and ensure that the gaming industry continues to thrive even without a physical interface at E3.
Support your favorite developers, whether they be the giants or small independent teams- they need your support more than ever now! With optimism we will march forward together into the world of gaming.