E3 has been a staple of the gaming industry for years, but it seems like it may have over-stayed its welcome. With the recent announcement of the show’s cancellation for the second year in a row, it’s time to ask ourselves: is E3 really needed anymore?
Story: As a gamer, I’ve always been intrigued by the idea of attending E3. In 2013, I finally had the chance to go, and it was a disaster. Long lines, crowded spaces, and lackluster demos made for a less-than-stellar experience. It wasn’t just me, either. I’ve heard countless stories from others who have attended E3 in recent years, and many of them have had similar experiences. It’s clear that something needs to change.
With the rise of online streaming and digital content, E3 has become less and less relevant. In the past, the show was the only way for gaming companies to show off their upcoming products to a large audience. But now, with platforms like Twitch and YouTube, everything can be presented online. There’s no longer a need for attendees to wait in long lines for hours just to see a demo they could easily watch from the comfort of their own home.
In 2020, E3 was forced to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic. And while it was certainly a difficult decision, it also made it clear that the show is no longer necessary. In fact, many gaming companies have found that they can reach a wider audience by hosting their own events throughout the year. Nintendo, for example, has been hosting Nintendo Direct presentations for years, which allow them to announce and showcase their games directly to their fans.
However, one of the downsides of an online format for E3 is that we would likely get fewer playable demos than we would at an in-person event. Playable demos can break or freeze, and when that happens in person, the person working the booth can reset the machine. But if devs and publishers were to send out a demo to people’s homes that wasn’t refined, it would look bad.
In short, E3 has been showing signs of irrelevance for years. With the cancellation of the show for the second year in a row, it’s time to face the reality that we no longer need a physical trade show for gaming companies to showcase their products. We live in a digital age, and as such, it’s time for gaming events to evolve and adapt to the times.
While E3 may be a thing of the past, that doesn’t mean there aren’t still great games out there to discover. Check out the Beware Steam page for a truly unique and immersive horror experience that’s sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.