After a few years of uncertainty, E3 was finally declared dead this week. Signaling the end of one of the industry’s most famous conventions, many well-known faces have been reacting to the news.
The end of an era
Unable to keep up with the changing video game scene, plus the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, E3 finally had to admit it was time to call it a day. While many were sure the Electronic Entertainment Expo wouldn’t be the same again anyway, it has evidently left a hole for some.
In posts on X, the likes of Hideo Kojima reminisced about the time the Konami team first showed off Metal Gear Solid way back in 1997. He added that without E3, “Japanese creators and titles would not have made it to the world as much as they have.”
Nintendo’s own Doug Bowser – the President of the American branch of the company – said it’s “hard to overstate the number of unforgettable moments it gave all of us,” adding, “what a run!”
Cory Balrog – the creative director of God of War – said they were “on the floor showing the demo” of the very first game in the series. He also said he both “loved and hated the show.”
Tech companies also offered their condolences. Intel chimed in by saying that it was the “end of an era,” while Nvidia thanked the event for the “core memories.”
Beginning in 1995, E3 became a staple in gaming with its annual gathering of studios and publishers, promoting their next release and generating media buzz.
