Another Nail in E3's Coffin as Events Collaboration Falls Through | Push Square

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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.

Having grown up alongside PlayStation, Stephen has