The organizers of E3 announce a new event called iicon, but it's not open to the public and you probably don't want to go anyway
E3 died in 2023 but the Entertainment Software Association is still around, and it's just unveiled its new idea: «a first-of-its-kind event designed to connect visionaries, thought leaders and innovators from across industries to harness the power of interactive entertainment» called iicon.
Two things right off the start: No, this is not a reborn E3, and no, I didn't spell it wrong. Iicon is a snappy abbreviation for the Interactive Innovation Conference, and its goal is to provide attendees «exclusive access to visionary keynotes, engaging discussions and workshops, and elite networking opportunities with executives shaping the future of entertainment, business and technology.» Those executives will come from companies including Amazon Games, Disney, Electronic Arts, Epic Games, Microsoft, Nintendo of America, Sony Interactive Entertainment, Square Enix, Take-Two Interactive, Ubisoft and Warner Bros.
«The Entertainment Software Association and its member companies are among the innovators and leaders shaping the future of culture, business and human connection,» ESA chairman Doug Bowser said. «It’s a natural role for ESA to host and support an event that fosters an open exchange of new ideas with our peer industry leaders.
»Iicon is bringing together changemakers from across industries to envision how the strengths of the interactive entertainment industry can break entirely new ground."
It doesn't sound like much fun in the way that E3 was, even in the days before the public was allowed to attend. There was an excitement to those events, as game and hardware makers showcased their wares to throngs of journalists, and we all eagerly read about what they saw in our favorite magazines or websites. And even though E3 was a fading star by the time it opened its doors to the public in 2016, there was genuine enthusiasm for it among gamers who wanted to know more about the next big (or even small) thing.
Iicon, by comparison, sounds more like executives talking to
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