E3 to return in 2023 both physically and digitally, confirms ESA

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA), which organises E3 each year, has confirmed the gaming event’s digital and physical return in 2023. This news comes after E3’s cancellation for 2022 earlier in the year. In an interview with The Washington Post, the ESA gave more details on what to expect from E3 2023.

“We’re excited about coming back in 2023 with both a digital and an in-person event. As much as we love these digital events, and as much as they reach people and we want that global reach, we also know that there’s a really strong desire for people to convene — to be able to connect in person and see each other and talk about what makes games great.”

Despite not happening this year, there are still plenty of gaming events and showcases happening throughout June. In fact, we’ve collated all of them in a handy guide with timezones converted for an Australian audience. Despite E3’s absence, June is still a very busy month with the likes of Xbox, PlayStation, Devolver, Capcom and more all showcasing during what would typically be the E3 period. Event organisers like Geoff Keighley have stepped up in the past couple of years, with Summer Games Fest becoming linked heavily to that June period of announcements and reveals. When ESA president and CEO Stan Pierre-Louis (pictured below) was asked about these companies going rogue and doing their own thing, he had the following to say about E3’s relevancy in a post-COVID world:

“I think what’s great about all this experimentation is that companies of all sizes are trying to figure out what works best to promote the product and the content that they are looking to share with consumers. And I think there is a space for a physical show; I think there’s an importance of having digital reach. Combining those two, I think there is a critical element of what we think E3 can provide.”

Are you happy to hear of E3’s return in 2023 as both a physical and digital event? Will it have the same impact as it’s had in past years?