E3, the largest gaming convention once anchored in Los Angeles, will not be held in 2024 or 2025. Reports from border news outlets cite documents published by the City of Los Angeles Tourism Board. In those documents, a table shows last year’s financial figures with a footnote hinting at the possible cancellation of E3 for 2024 and 2025.
Meanwhile, the Entertainment Software Association, the event’s organizer, had already locked in E3 dates in Los Angeles for several years ahead. E3 2024 was scheduled to begin on June 11 and E3 2025 on June 3. The timing shows how the event calendars were set long before any cancellation discussions began to surface in public forums.
Shortly after news of a potential retirement for E3 surfaced, ESA issued a statement indicating that the final decision on next year’s show had not been made. The organization said it was actively discussing E3 2024 and future events, but no conclusive determination had been reached at that moment.
Prior to 2024, E3 faced a similar pause, with the 2023 edition not taking place. The absence was tied to waning interest from major game publishers, many of whom now sponsor or stage their own events to showcase upcoming titles. This shift reflects a broader change in how the industry chooses to unveil new projects and engage with fans around the world.
Industry observers note that the landscape has evolved in ways that redefine what a flagship show can be. Major publishers increasingly favor controlled environments, direct-to-consumer formats, and bespoke presentations that align with their product roadmaps. The result is a re balancing of attention between large, centralized expos and a constellation of smaller, targeted events that reach specific audiences around the globe. In this climate, a traditional mega show faces heightened scrutiny about attendance, costs, and measurable impact.
Beyond the organizational side, the evolving nature of game development adds another layer to the discussion. Studios invest in titles with shorter lead times and more flexible release strategies. Digital showcases, live streams, and on-demand demos enable publishers to reach international audiences without the overhead of a large physical stage. This trend reduces the dependency on a single event and expands the opportunity to reveal content at moments that align with strategic launches. The result is a more dispersed but highly engaged global audience, including players in Canada and the United States. [Citation: City of Los Angeles Tourism Board filings; ESA press statements; industry analysis]
Meanwhile, intrigue persists around projects tied to established universes. Reports suggest continued interest in well known fantasy worlds, with rumors highlighting new installments within the Witcher universe. Though not officially confirmed, the chatter underscores how recognizable intellectual properties can sustain ongoing anticipation regardless of a traditional expo schedule. Fans in North America remain attentive to any official updates about potential appearances at future events or alternative showcase formats. [Citation: industry coverage and official statements]