E3

E3, short for Electronic Entertainment Expo, is a trade event for the video game industry. It is organized by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) and historically served as a primary venue for publishers, developers, hardware manufacturers, distributors, and press to showcase new games and technologies. The convention-style event is best known for its formal press conferences, hands-on demos, and sizable exhibition floors.

History and format: E3 began in 1995 as a unified showcase for the industry, consolidating various regional and hobbyist events into a single international stage. Held annually in Los Angeles, California, at the Los Angeles Convention Center, it typically occurred in June and became a focal point for major announcements, console reveals, and industry partnerships. Over the years, publishers used E3 to unveil new hardware, major game titles, and exclusive trailers, with extensive coverage from media worldwide. The event also influenced marketing cycles and release calendars, often setting the pace for the year’s game lineup.

Developments in the 2020s: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted E3 schedules, and the ESA restructured the show’s format in response to changing industry practices and consumer engagement. As a result, traditional in-person E3 events were cancelled or substantially altered in the early 2020s, and the future of the conventional E3 model remained uncertain, with efforts described as a “reimagined” or digital-focused approach. Despite these changes, E3 remains a reference point in video game history and industry culture.

See also: Entertainment Software Association; video game trade shows; game industry exhibitions.