The essence of E3 was palpable in Los Angeles – it's time to revive it | Opinion
It was a remarkable week in Los Angeles.
From my perspective, it was enjoyable. The string of events, be it Summer Games Fest, Not-E3, or E3 lite, featured significant announcements, playable games, and well-crafted showcases, echoing the essence of E3’s legacy. Geoff Keighley's Summer Games Fest was notable for its great pacing, compelling start, and a varied selection of titles. However, it wasn't an unforgettable showcase, although it was still well-executed.
PlayStation appears to be in a transitional phase with its 2024 lineup. Recently showcased games such as Astro Bot, Concord, and LEGO Horizon Adventures were aesthetically pleasing but didn't carry the same weight as heavy-hitters like God of War or Spider-Man. Nonetheless, PlayStation’s physical presence in LA was pivotal as it allowed the media to meet developers and experience the titles firsthand for the first time since 2018.
Xbox stole the spotlight with its showcase featuring major revelations, including Call of Duty, Gears of War, and Doom. The well-funded lineup highlighted blockbuster franchises and impressive new IPs through a 90-minute pre-recorded broadcast. Although it lacked family-friendly titles and was not a live event, the showcase was still thrilling and well-received.
This week’s events are a reminder that the week still doesn’t belong to any specific organizer. E3's downfall stemmed partly from a lack of consensus, as the industry had diverse desires and requirements.
Ubisoft also held a notable event, featuring Star Wars Outlaws and Assassin's Creed Shadows. The venue, reminiscent of E3, included stormtroopers and various themed props. Meanwhile, IGN Live, where I participated in a panel discussion, was a smaller but effective event with compelling presentations. Despite its limited scale, it showcased potential for growth.
Although the week's event lineup didn't match the grandeur of past E3s, major franchises like Call of Duty, Assassin’s Creed, Dragon Age, and Monster Hunter were in attendance. The variety showcased by companies like Tencent, Amazon, Netflix, and Netease reflected how much the industry has evolved over the past five years.
This combination of gatherings—Summer Games Fest, Play Days, Xbox Games Showcase, Ubisoft Forward, IGN Live, and The Mix—wasn’t quite E3, but optimistic prospects for future iterations abound. Greater coordination and collaboration could resurrect something akin to the beloved event in 2025.
With a stronger lineup, diverse event options, and some coordination, 'gaming Christmas' could return.
Organizers must realize that the week’s events belong to the broader community, not just individual shows. E3 failed partly because the industry couldn't unify around a common vision. A blend of digital events, media gatherings, consumer shows, and business meetings could satiate all interests. Play Days caters to media, IGN Live engages consumers, and multiple options exist for big announcements.
Major companies like Xbox and Ubisoft recognize the importance of supporting the ecosystem, with Xbox's presence at Play Days and IGN Live, and Ubisoft showcasing Star Wars at Summer Games Fest, among other venues. Such support fosters a beneficial environment for all involved.
However, there were logistical challenges and timing overlaps. For instance, the distance between Xbox's showcase and other events led to some exhaustion. Such issues suggest that Downtown LA may not be the ideal host location.
Even though organizers will compete vigorously, a successful event benefits all. Rob Matthews, the former Xbox executive involved in E3, noted that PlayStation and Xbox cooperated during E3 to serve a larger purpose, despite their rivalries.
This year's events showed a semblance of E3’s enduring spirit. While bigger isn’t always better, the games industry needs a vibrant, confident presentation. A robust lineup and better-organized events could usher in a new era akin to E3.
In LA, the groundwork for a potential E3 revival is evident. Hopefully, collaboration among industry players will make it a reality.
