Let’s Be Honest, Video Game Shows and Expos Won’t Be the Same Again

A few years ago, video game trade shows were the hottest thing going. There was no way you could get in to PAX East without scoring some sort of pass in first-day ticket sales, and E3 was the hottest destination on the planet when it came to all things video games. But then what happened?

[z2g]

end of an era. personally speaking, i loved going to E3. it was one of my favorite things to do every year. It was admittedly less fun when they started allowing the general public to attend as it got way too crowded, but still. i will remember it all fondly.

[Aeery]

My exact same experience.
I loved so much attending to E3.
Talking, watching, trying, tons of swag, conferences, opportunities ...
Now the cold, soulless "digital events".
...

[mastershredder]

What's ironic to me is publications (history since 2020) making statements like this when they have no idea how the old shows used to be or how vastly different and directed these events are. Seriously, go soak your pretentious heads.

[gangsta_red]

We just had PAX, the issue is LA, they're slowly opening up but still stuck in covid pandemic hysteria.

Even still, with the rise of social media and YouTube and other media outlets, there really is no reason to put on these big shows. Just hire a team of editors and cut a bad ass promo

[Atom666]

Still waiting for those bad ass promos, though.

I always enjoyed the trade shows, and the presentations that came with them. Judging by all of the attention, gossip, and excitement that comes with every announcement of a Direct/Showcase/State of Play, I think most consumers still want the big shows and massive hype that comes with it.

Virtual events have potential, but there's a reason so many people compare them to things like E3 every time imo.

[gangsta_red]

I always like how Nintendo does their Directs, especially the one produced by Robot Chicken that one year.

I always found live events tiresome. especially with uncharismatic hosts making cringe jokes on stage.

I do miss the E3 after parties in LA though

[Atom666]

Haha, you do have to take the good with the bad, that's for sure.

Nintendo does manage ok with most of its directs. But we also get things like that Switch Sports volleyball segment recently.

I've never gone out to E3, but have hit a few PAXs and a few Cons on the east coast. Always a good time.

[Aloymetal]

Of course not, the main player is not there anymore.

[Elda]

Exactly.

[Aloymetal]

All the media and ''journos'' desperate trying to find the cause of why E3 is not the same anymore when they know exactly why but aren't allowed to say it because they might upset some and give credit to a company they don't really like;)

[Elda]

Bye bye.

[lellkay]

It hurts.I miss it.

[Imortus_san]

They never were since the day that stoped using Boot Babes.

[FinalFantasyFanatic]

It's been a down spiral for more than a few years now, going to miss looking forward to big events with a slew of game reveals. But now everyone does their own streaming show instead, so I guess I'll just look forward to that.