Corey McNamara
Another Nail in E3’s Coffin as Events Collaboration Falls Through
The ESA (Entertainment Software Association), the organisation behind E3, has parted ways with ReedPop after 2023’s show failed to get off the ground. As reported by GamesIndustry.biz, the two parties had signed a multi-year contract to collaborate on the industry exhibition in an attempt to bring it back to its former glory. However, with this year’s show a no-go, the companies have made a “mutual decision” to cease the partnership.
This news leaves E3’s future up in the air, to some extent. Plans for an E3 show in 2024 haven’t been cancelled, but according to the report, it will not be taking place at the Los Angeles Convention Center, which is its usual venue. According to GamesIndustry.biz, the ESA is working on a “complete reinvention” of E3 for 2025.
ReedPop, which runs annual events such as PAX and Comic Con, is done with E3, then, but there doesn’t appear to be any bad blood between the companies. “We have enjoyed our time working with the ESA and appreciate their commitment to the games industry as a whole,” says ReedPop’s games events head, Kyle Marsden-Kish. “While we will not be involved with the future of E3 we look forward to seeing its evolution and where the ESA takes it.”
ESA president and CEO Stanley Pierre-Louis says he appreciates “ReedPop’s partnership over the past 14 months and support their ongoing efforts to bring industry and fans together through their various events”.
So, it sounds like E3 2024 is still very much in flux, but that the show may be totally overhauled for 2025 and beyond. With Geoff Keighley’s Summer Games Fest going a long way to fill the gap, it’ll be very interesting to see how things shake out over the next couple of years.
The End of a Partnership
The year 2023 has dealt another blow to the future of the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), as the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) and ReedPop have announced their estrangement after an unsuccessful joint endeavour. According to GamesIndustry.biz, the ESA and ReedPop had entered into a multi-year contract to collaborate on reviving the industry exhibition, but their plans were foiled when this year’s show failed to take off. The two organizations have amicably decided to terminate the partnership, leaving E3’s future hanging in the balance.
Uncertainty Looms Ahead
The aftermath of this collaboration collapse casts a shadow of uncertainty over E3’s future. While there have been no official cancellations for the 2024 show, GamesIndustry.biz reports that it will not be held at its usual venue, the Los Angeles Convention Center. Instead, the ESA is envisioning a complete reinvention of E3 for the year 2025, indicating a potential overhaul of the renowned event. The details of this transformation remain shrouded in mystery, leaving gamers and industry enthusiasts eager to witness the evolution of E3.
Parting on Good Terms
Despite the end of their partnership, ReedPop, the organization behind popular events like PAX and Comic Con, displays no animosity towards the ESA or E3. Kyle Marsden-Kish, ReedPop’s games events head, expressed gratitude towards the ESA, stating, “We have enjoyed our time working with the ESA and appreciate their commitment to the games industry as a whole.” He further added, “While we will not be involved with the future of E3, we look forward to seeing its evolution and where the ESA takes it.” Acknowledging ReedPop’s support, ESA President and CEO Stanley Pierre-Louis reciprocated their sentiments and affirmed his appreciation.
The Road Ahead for E3
The fate of E3 hangs in the balance following the failed collaboration and the upcoming reinvention for 2025. In the meantime, Geoff Keighley’s Summer Games Fest has emerged as a promising alternative, helping to fill the void left by E3’s absence. As the gaming industry eagerly anticipates the forthcoming years, the evolving landscape of gaming exhibitions and events will undoubtedly captivate the attention of both industry insiders and gaming enthusiasts alike.
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