Editing E3 (section)

===2020–2023: Impact of COVID-19 and discontinuation===
During the last day of the event in 2019, it was confirmed that E3 would be held at the LACC for at least another year, with the 2020 edition.<ref name=pushsquare2020e3>{{cite web |website=[[Push Square]] |title=During the last day of the fair in 2019, it was confirmed that E3 would be held at the LACC for at least another year, with the 2020 edition |date=June 13, 2019 |access-date=June 13, 2019 |url=https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2019/06/e3_will_return_for_at_least_another_year_2020_dates_confirmed |archive-date=July 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190707143643/https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2019/06/e3_will_return_for_at_least_another_year_2020_dates_confirmed |url-status=live }}</ref> The ESA affirmed they had renegotiated use of the LACC through 2023, but retained the rights to break that contract if desired.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2019/gaming/news/activision-ea-both-forgo-e3-show-floor-1203219164/ |title=Activision, EA Both Forgo E3 Show Floor Presence For 2019 |first=Liz |last=Lanier |date=May 17, 2019 |access-date=May 23, 2019 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |archive-date=March 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302154625/https://variety.com/2019/gaming/news/activision-ea-both-forgo-e3-show-floor-1203219164/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The ESA's membership approved an increase in the number of public passes from 15,000 to 25,000 for the 2020 show. Alongside this, the ESA had presented proposed, but not finalized, plans to make the 2020 event a "fan, media, and influencer festival". To mitigate the longer lines caused by increased public attendance, they aimed to use "queuetainment" to advertise to attendees while they wait, as well as a [[FastPass]]-like system of reserving game demos in advance similar to the one employed by [[Disney Experiences|Disney Parks]]. They planned to give priority to "[[influencer]]s" by providing them appointment-only presentations on new games. Additionally, with these changes, the ESA were considering adding an extra day on the Tuesday of the convention week that would be an industry-only day before the floor of the convention was opened to public passes.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://gamedaily.biz/article/1215/e3-2020-planning-document-proposes-overhaul-with-queuetainment-new-floor-plan-industry-only-day |title=E3 2020 planning document proposes overhaul with 'queuetainment,' new floor plan, industry-only day |first=Mike |last=Futter |date=September 16, 2019 |access-date=September 16, 2019 |work=[[GameDaily.biz]] |archive-date=September 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190917200003/https://gamedaily.biz/article/1215/e3-2020-planning-document-proposes-overhaul-with-queuetainment-new-floor-plan-industry-only-day |url-status=live }}</ref> Sony affirmed it would not attend the 2020 show, stating that the vision for [[E3 2020]] did not meet their goals, and instead would showcase their games at other events throughout the year.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2020-01-11-playstation-will-not-participate-in-e3-2020 |title=PlayStation will not participate in E3 2020 |first=Christopher |last=Dring |date=January 13, 2020 |access-date=January 13, 2020 |work=[[GamesIndustry.biz]] |archive-date=January 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200113231716/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2020-01-11-playstation-will-not-participate-in-e3-2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> In the wake of Sony's announcement, ESA affirmed that the 2020 show "will be an exciting, high-energy show featuring new experiences, partners, exhibitor spaces, activations, and programming that will entertain new and veteran attendees alike".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.destructoid.com/esa-statement-promises-new-experiences-and-activations-in-response-to-sony-no-show-577821.phtml |title=ESA statement promises 'new experiences and activations' in response to Sony no-show |first=Chris |last=Moyse |date=January 14, 2020 |access-date=January 14, 2020 |work=[[Destructoid]] |archive-date=September 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926161047/https://www.destructoid.com/esa-statement-promises-new-experiences-and-activations-in-response-to-sony-no-show-577821.phtml |url-status=live }}</ref> On February 12, 2020, [[Geoff Keighley]], host of E3 Coliseum and [[The Game Awards]], released a statement announcing that he would also be forgoing his attendance of E3 for the first time in the expo's 25-year history, citing his discomfort with the direction planned for the event in 2020.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2020-02-12-geoff-keighley-will-not-participate-in-e3-2020 |title=Geoff Keighley will not participate in E3 2020 |first=Christopher |last=Dring |date=January 12, 2020 |access-date=January 14, 2020 |work=[[GamesIndustry.biz]] |archive-date=February 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200212194557/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2020-02-12-geoff-keighley-will-not-participate-in-e3-2020 |url-status=live }}</ref>

However, in the months leading to the 2020 event, the [[Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the video game industry|COVID-19 pandemic]] created concerns related to large gatherings such as E3. As late as March 4, 2020, the ESA had still intended to hold E3 2020, though said they were monitoring the situation around the outbreak.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/e3-2020-coronavirus-actively-assessing-1203524365/ |title=E3 Organizers 'Actively Assessing' Coronavirus Outbreak, Still Planning to Hold June Event in L.A. |first=Todd |last=Spangler |date=March 4, 2020 |access-date=March 4, 2020 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |archive-date=April 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200408220700/https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/e3-2020-coronavirus-actively-assessing-1203524365/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On March 11, 2020, the ESA announced that E3 2020 had been cancelled due to the pandemic. The ESA also claimed that they would both fully refund prospective attendees and exhibitors and devise a [[virtual event]] that would enable exhibitors to hold digital presentations during the same week in lieu of a physical meeting.<ref name="e3 2020 cancelled">{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/e3-2020-canceled-coronavirus-1203529992/ |title=E3 2020 Canceled After 'Overwhelming Concerns' About Coronavirus |first=Todd |last=Spangler |date=March 11, 2020 |access-date=March 11, 2020 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |archive-date=April 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200408220701/https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/e3-2020-canceled-coronavirus-1203529992/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |url=https://e3expo.com |title=News: E3 2020 Cancelled Due To Growing Concerns Over COVID-19 Virus |date=March 11, 2020 |publisher=[[Entertainment Software Association]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200311172635/https://e3expo.com/ |archive-date=March 11, 2020 |access-date=March 11, 2020}}</ref> However, by April 7, 2020, the ESA stated that the disruption caused by the pandemic made it impossible to host an online equivalent, fully cancelling the event, though the ESA would help its partners to present individual announcements via E3's website.<ref name="pcgamer e32020 fully cancelled">{{cite web |last=Chalk |first=Andy |date=April 7, 2020 |title=E3 2021 dates revealed, but the 2020 'online experience' isn't going to happen |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/e3-2021-dates-announced-but-theres-still-no-word-about-the-2020-online-experience/ |access-date=April 7, 2020 |work=[[PC Gamer]] |archive-date=April 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200408220703/https://www.pcgamer.com/e3-2021-dates-announced-but-theres-still-no-word-about-the-2020-online-experience/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Keighley would organize ''[[Summer Game Fest]]''—an event series encompassing various publisher-led digital presentations and [[Game demo|demo]] offerings from May to August 2020.<ref>{{cite web |last=Spangler |first=Todd |date=May 1, 2020 |title=Summer Game Fest 2020 Steps in to Fill E3 Void for Video-Game Biz |url=https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/summer-game-fest-2020-schedule-1234595351/ |access-date=May 1, 2020 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |archive-date=September 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930221040/https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/summer-game-fest-2020-schedule-1234595351/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Despite cancelling the 2020 event, the ESA stated it still planned to hold the 2021 event, announcing its normal June dates to partners in April 2020.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2021-is-still-happening-next-year/1100-6474662/ |title=E3 2021 Is Still Happening Next Year |first=Gabe |last=Gurwin |date=March 11, 2020 |access-date=March 11, 2020 |work=[[GameSpot]] |archive-date=March 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200312210537/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2021-is-still-happening-next-year/1100-6474662/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="2021 dates"/> While the ESA had planned for a combined in-person and virtual event, the organization notified its partners in February 2021 that it was dropping the in-person event but maintaining the virtual event plans.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/e3-pushes-forward-with-plans-for-a-digital-2021-event/ |title=E3 pushes forward with plans for a digital 2021 event |first=Andy |last=Robinson |date=February 8, 2021 |access-date=February 8, 2021 |work=[[Video Games Chronicle]] |archive-date=July 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210707190014/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/e3-pushes-forward-with-plans-for-a-digital-2021-event/ |url-status=live }}</ref> According to ''[[Video Games Chronicle]]'', the ESA still planned to use the LACC to broadcast some of these virtual events during [[E3 2021]], as well as planning on further use of the space in 2022 and 2023.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/e3s-2021-live-event-has-been-cancelled-la-city-documents-claim/ |title=E3's 2021 live event has been cancelled, LA city documents claim |first=Andy |last=Robinson |date=February 27, 2021 |access-date=February 27, 2021 |work=[[Video Games Chronicle]] |archive-date=February 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227211528/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/e3s-2021-live-event-has-been-cancelled-la-city-documents-claim/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The virtual event faced a mixed reception among users and the industry, including issues with the event's official mobile app, and assessments that E3 as a virtual event was redundant to streaming presentations that could be held as standalone events by publishers.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Franzese |first=Tomas |title=E3 2021 online portal is an insult to us all and the worst game of the year |url=https://www.inverse.com/gaming/e3-2021-online-portal-is-the-worst-game |access-date=2022-02-25 |website=Inverse |date=June 9, 2021 |language=en |archive-date=August 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230811071558/https://www.inverse.com/gaming/e3-2021-online-portal-is-the-worst-game |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="WashPoHist"/>

While Mayor [[Eric Garcetti]] stated that the ESA had planned E3 2022 to be an in-person event,<ref>{{Cite web |last=June 2021 |first=Ali Jones 16 |title=E3 2022 will be an in-person event according to Los Angeles mayor |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/e3-2022-will-be-an-in-person-event-according-to-los-angeles-mayor/ |access-date=2021-06-21 |website=gamesradar |date=June 16, 2021 |language=en |archive-date=June 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210619160852/https://www.gamesradar.com/e3-2022-will-be-an-in-person-event-according-to-los-angeles-mayor/ |url-status=live }}</ref> on January 7, 2022, the ESA announced that the in-person version of E3 2022 had been cancelled due to COVID-19, with no immediate confirmation of a virtual event. Although this announcement came amid spread of the [[SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant|Omicron variant]], ''[[IGN]]'' reported that unlike past years, E3 2022 had no dates publicized by either the ESA or the LACC—which had cast doubt (especially amid the internal issues surrounding the 2020 event, and the aforementioned reception to E3 2021) over whether the event was even being planned at all. Furthermore, ''IGN'' reported via anonymous sources that the ESA had made a decision to cancel the event as early as late-2021.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Valentine |first=Rebekah |date=2022-01-06 |title=E3 2022 Cancels In-Person Event, While Digital Show Remains Uncertain |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/e3-2022-cancels-in-person-event-digital-show-uncertain |access-date=2022-01-07 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=January 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220107000738/https://www.ign.com/articles/e3-2022-cancels-in-person-event-digital-show-uncertain |url-status=live }}</ref> The ESA formally announced on March 31, 2022, that they had fully cancelled E3 2022.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Valentine |first=Rebekah |date=2022-03-31 |title=E3 2022 – Digital and Physical – Has Officially Been Canceled |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/e3-2022-officially-canceled |access-date=2022-03-31 |website=IGN |archive-date=July 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220710201744/https://www.ign.com/articles/e3-2022-officially-canceled |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":3">{{cite web |last1=Parrish |first1=Ash |title=E3 2022 is canceled |url=https://www.theverge.com/2022/3/31/23005138/e3-2022-online-virtual-event-canceled-covid-19 |website=The Verge |access-date=3 June 2022 |language=en |date=31 March 2022 |archive-date=June 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220603050719/https://www.theverge.com/2022/3/31/23005138/e3-2022-online-virtual-event-canceled-covid-19 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In June 2022, the ESA stated that they still planned to return with a physical and virtual show in 2023.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Grayson |first1=Nathan |title=E3 video game convention will return in 2023, says parent company |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/video-games/2022/06/07/esa-e3-2023-summer-game-fest-nintendo-direct/ |access-date=14 June 2022 |newspaper=Washington Post |date=7 June 2022 |archive-date=June 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220608020537/https://www.washingtonpost.com/video-games/2022/06/07/esa-e3-2023-summer-game-fest-nintendo-direct/ |url-status=live }}</ref> One month later, the ESA confirmed that [[E3 2023]] would occur at the Los Angeles Convention Center during the second week of June 2023, and that they have partnered with [[ReedPop]], who operate conventions such as [[PAX (event)|PAX events]], [[New York Comic Con]], and the [[Star Wars Celebration|''Star Wars'' Celebration]], to help manage the event.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2022/digital/news/e3-2023-expo-dates-1235310436/ |title=E3 Sets Return to L.A. in 2023 After Three-Year Hiatus |first=Todd |last=Spangler |date=July 7, 2022 |accessdate=July 7, 2022 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |archive-date=October 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221008003940/https://variety.com/2022/digital/news/e3-2023-expo-dates-1235310436/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In September 2022, the ESA announced that the event would also include three "Business Days" where the floor would be limited to developers, publishers, retailers, and recognized journalists, while two days at a separate location would be held as "Fan Days" for all members of the public.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/e3-is-returning-in-june-2023-with-separate-business-days-and-gamer-days |title=E3 is returning in June 2023 with separate 'Business Days' and 'Gamer Days' |website=PC Gamer |date=September 26, 2022 |access-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926195210/https://www.pcgamer.com/e3-is-returning-in-june-2023-with-separate-business-days-and-gamer-days/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In January 2023, ''IGN'' reported that none of Microsoft, Nintendo, or Sony would exhibit at E3 2023, with Nintendo confirming their absence the following month, citing that "this year's E3 show didn't fit into our plans."<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.ign.com/articles/xbox-nintendo-sony-skipping-e3-2023 | title = Exclusive: Xbox, Nintendo, and Sony Won't Be Part of E3 2023 | first = Kat | last = Bailey | date = January 30, 2023 | accessdate = January 30, 2023 | work = [[IGN]] | archive-date = January 30, 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230130235750/https://www.ign.com/articles/xbox-nintendo-sony-skipping-e3-2023 | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2023/2/24/23613605/nintendo-e3-not-attending-show-2023 | title = Nintendo confirms it won't be part of E3 2023 | first = Jay | last = Peters | date = February 24, 2023 | accessdate = February 24, 2023 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-date = February 24, 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230224173034/https://www.theverge.com/2023/2/24/23613605/nintendo-e3-not-attending-show-2023 | url-status = live }}</ref> Microsoft confirmed in March 2023 they would not be on the E3 showfloor, but would be holding the digital events.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.ign.com/articles/xbox-confirms-it-wont-be-on-e3-showfloor-will-co-stream-digital-week | title = Xbox Confirms It Won't be on E3 2023 Showfloor | first = Kat | last = Bailey | date = March 11, 2023 | accessdate = March 11, 2023 | work = [[IGN]] | archive-date = March 11, 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230311000905/https://www.ign.com/articles/xbox-confirms-it-wont-be-on-e3-showfloor-will-co-stream-digital-week | url-status = live }}</ref> In the same month, [[Ubisoft]] also announced that they would not be attending E3 2023, and would be hosting their own presentation event in June instead.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Zwiezen |first1=Zack |title=Ubisoft Is Skipping E3 2023 As The Show Continues To Fall Apart |url=https://kotaku.com/e3-2023-canceled-ubisoft-backs-out-skipping-xbox-sony-1850269997 |access-date=28 March 2023 |agency=Kotaku |date=28 March 2023 |archive-date=March 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328010112/https://kotaku.com/e3-2023-canceled-ubisoft-backs-out-skipping-xbox-sony-1850269997 |url-status=live }}</ref> On March 29, ''IGN'' reported that both [[Sega]] and [[Tencent]] would be skipping E3 2023.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bailey |first1=Kate |title=Rumors Swirl Around E3's Future as Sega, Even More Publishers Back Out |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/rumors-swirl-around-e3s-future-as-sega-even-more-publishers-back-out |access-date=29 March 2023 |agency=IGN |date=29 March 2023 |archive-date=March 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329041044/https://www.ign.com/articles/rumors-swirl-around-e3s-future-as-sega-even-more-publishers-back-out |url-status=live }}</ref>

On March 30, 2023, the 2023 event was cancelled because of a lack of "sustained interest".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Valentine |first=Rebekah |date=March 30, 2023 |title=E3 Has Been Canceled |work=[[IGN]] |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/e3-has-been-canceled |access-date=March 30, 2023 |archive-date=April 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230402214217/https://www.ign.com/articles/e3-has-been-canceled |url-status=live }}</ref> According to ESA's president, Stanley Pierre-Louis, the choice to cancel the 2023 show was a result of three factors: that the COVID-19 pandemic had impacted the typical development cycle for most companies; that the current economy had publishers and developers re-evaluate the need for attending E3; and that, as a result, there has been more exploration of the mix of in-person and digital marketing events that individual companies have run. While Pierre-Louis stated that ESA was intending to hold E3 in 2024, they were looking themselves to find a balance that works for the industry.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamesindustry.biz/e3-2023-is-cancelled-esa-tells-us-why | title = E3 2023 is cancelled. ESA tells us why | first = Christopher | last = Dring | date = March 30, 2023 | accessdate = March 30, 2023 | work = [[GamesIndustry.biz]] | archive-date = March 30, 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230330213029/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/e3-2023-is-cancelled-esa-tells-us-why | url-status = live }}</ref> 

The ESA affirmed in September 2023 that there would be no E3 2024, that they would not be using the LACC in the immediate future, and that ReedPop was no longer working to help organize future events.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-06-22 |title=E3 2024 and 2025 cancelled according to Los Angeles tourism department |language=en-gb |work=Eurogamer.net |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/e3-2024-and-2025-cancelled-according-to-los-angeles-tourism-department |access-date=2023-06-25 |archive-date=June 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230622215626/https://www.eurogamer.net/e3-2024-and-2025-cancelled-according-to-los-angeles-tourism-department |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="ReinventEuro">{{Cite news |date=2023-09-07 |title=E3 2024 in doubt, as organiser exits and location abandoned |language=en |work=Eurogamer.net |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/e3-2024-in-doubt-as-organiser-exits-and-location-abandoned |access-date=2023-09-11}}</ref><ref name="ReinventVGC">{{Cite web |date=2023-09-07 |title=E3 confirms no 2024 LA event, with 'complete reinvention' reportedly planned for 2025 |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/e3-confirms-no-2024-la-event-with-complete-reinvention-reportedly-planned-for-2025/ |access-date=2023-09-09 |website=VGC |language=en-GB}}</ref> The ESA stated they were still in discussions with their partners on E3 2025 and future shows, with the former reportedly planned to have a "complete reinvention".<ref>{{Cite web |title=E3 2024 and 2025 aren't canceled (yet) |url=https://www.engadget.com/e3-2024-and-2025-arent-canceled-yet-222141813.html |access-date=2023-06-23 |website=Engadget |date=June 22, 2023 |language=en-US |archive-date=June 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230622224342/https://www.engadget.com/e3-2024-and-2025-arent-canceled-yet-222141813.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="ReinventEuro" /><ref name="ReinventVGC" /> On December 12, 2023, the ESA announced that E3 had been discontinued, citing "the new opportunities our industry has to reach fans and partners".<ref name=":4">{{Cite news |last=Park |first=Gene |date=December 12, 2023 |title=E3, once gaming's biggest expo, is officially dead |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/video-games/2023/12/12/e3-permanently-canceled/ |access-date=December 12, 2023 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]}}</ref> Pierre-Louis said that other live events were not responsible for the decision to end E3, while the increasing number of publisher-specific showcases was a reason. He further stated that ReedPop's departure was not solely responsible for their decision to end E3 but helped to inform their choice.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamesindustry.biz/esa-ceo-says-ending-e3s-closure-was-based-on-shifting-industry-needs | title = ESA CEO says ending E3 was based on shifting industry needs | first = Jeffery | last = Rousseau | date = December 14, 2023 | accessdate = December 14, 2023 | work = [[GamesIndustry.biz]] }}</ref>