The Electronic Entertainment Expo has long been the biggest press event in video gaming, or at least it was until the COVID-19 pandemic upended it starting in 2020. There has been no physical E3 event for three consecutive years now, and not even a digital event in 2022. This has led some to speculate whether the event would even return.
That speculation seems to be laid to rest as of today, however, as it has reportedly been announced that E3 will return in 2023 (via Thurrott.com). According to a Washington Post interview with Entertainment Software Association (ESA, parent company of E3) President and CEO Stan Pierre-Louis, the trade show will make a return in 2023 as both a digital and in-person event.
According to Pierre-Louis, “As much as we love these digital events, and as much as they reach people and we want that global reach, we also know that there’s a really strong desire for people to convene — to be able to connect in person and see each other and talk about what makes games great.”
While the games industry is doing an admirable job of filling the E3 void with events such as the upcoming Summer Game Fest and the Xbox & Bethesda Game Showcase, many will no doubt welcome the expo’s return.
