What’s Been Filling the Gap Since E3 Died?

Trade shows are must-see events for every industry, and gaming is no exception. However, the gaming community has missed its biggest convention for the last few years. What events do gamers look forward to, and what happened to E3 in the first place? Here’s what you need to know. 

What Has Replaced E3 Since Its Exit?

While replacing E3 is a tall order, some organizations have stepped up to give gamers news and the latest technologies. The most prominent program might be State of Play, hosted by Sony Interactive Entertainment. PlayStation’s producer holds the conference to tell the world about upcoming PS5 and virtual reality games. 

The showcase doesn’t quite add up to the E3 legacy because it’s not an actual convention. Instead, it’s a broadcast that shows gameplay footage, hardware announcements and community updates. For instance, State of Play is where you learn about famous PlayStation exclusives like Astro Bot or the Metal Gear Solid series. 

Nintendo Direct

While Sony’s annual PlayStation event is popular, it wasn’t the first of its kind. It learned the ropes from Nintendo Direct, which started in 2011. Each year, the popular Japanese video game company hosts multiple presentations to make significant announcements. In 2025, Nintendo used the presentation to tell customers about the Switch 2 and new Pokémon titles.

Last spring’s event was significant because it finally gave fans the news they’d been waiting for. Gamers aren’t just getting the Switch 2 — they’re getting Mario Kart World. This title changes everything you know about the franchise, considering it brings 30 tracks and an open-world concept. 

Summer Games Showcase

Don’t worry, Xbox fans — you’re not left out either. Microsoft’s console gets to join the party at the annual Summer Game Fest. This video game festival occurs throughout America’s hot season and celebrates what’s new in the industry. Unlike the other festivities, this showcase has a live event at the YouTube Theater in Los Angeles. 

The Summer Games Showcase is a who’s who of the gaming industry, so it might be the closest thing to E3. In 2025, attendees included prominent publishers like 2K and high-end retailers. The June show included previews of upcoming titles, such as LEGO Party and Resident Evil Requiem. There truly was something for everybody!

What Is E3?

E3 was the ultimate spot for anybody interested in video games. From 1995 to 2019, it included developers and anybody who wanted to advertise their upcoming games. Before it started, industry professionals attended the Consumer Electronics Show and the European Computer Trade Show to feature their new releases. 

Video game companies were upset at their treatment in these exhibitions, so they split off to form the Electronic Entertainment Expo. Once 1995 rolled around, they were ready to display games like Super Mario Bros. and Mortal Kombat 3. The first convention was successful and quickly became the industry standard. 

What Happened to E3? 

Organizers were riding high for the first decade, as it became a must-see trade show. Console producers, publishers and other industry professionals paid a premium to have booths. However, this started E3’s demise because the companies pushed back on the entire setup. Top management responded by downsizing the convention and reducing visibility. 

If people can’t see your show, they’re less likely to know what’s happening. E3 became closed to the public in 2009 and reduced its maximum attendance. The house of cards started collapsing in 2013, as notable companies like Nintendo said they weren’t coming. E3 tried to save itself in 2016 by making live events, but it didn’t work as planned. 

Going Downhill

E3 began collapsing through 2019 as other major companies pulled out. Sony’s 2019 exit from the exhibition started a snowball effect that ultimately brought everything down. In August, the trade show experienced a data breach that leaked attendees’ information, leaving them vulnerable to harassment. 

2020’s arrival included the COVID-19 pandemic, which was the straw that broke the camel’s back. While it had high hopes for that year’s rendition, the contagious virus canceled all plans. Sony wasn’t attending anyway, but the global event meant it couldn’t display the PS5 and its faster processing abilities at the show. 

Will E3 Ever Come Back? 

E3 is dead, and there’s little hope for its revival. In 2023, the Electronic Software Association said E3 was discontinued to pursue other video game ventures. It said Nintendo Direct and State of Play didn’t influence the decision, but it’s hard to deny E3’s thunder was stolen. Will a new show take over, or will the industry keep its decentralized showcases?