E3 Set for Return in 2023: ESA President Confirms In-Person and Digital Plans

E3 Set for Return in 2023: ESA President Confirms In-Person and Digital Plans The Electronic Entertainment Expo, more widely known as E3, has long been a hallmark of the gaming industry, unveiling the year's biggest hardware and game announcements.

Organized by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), E3 has served as the stage for industry leaders like Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft to debut their latest innovations.

However, following cancellations in 2020 and 2022, and a digital-only format in 2021, E3's future has faced uncertainty—especially in the wake of competing events like Geoff Keighley’s Summer Game Fest. In a recent interview with The Washington Post, ESA president Stan Pierre-Louis reaffirmed the organization's commitment to E3’s legacy, stating that the team is enthusiastic to bring the event back in 2023 with both digital and in-person components.

Pierre-Louis acknowledged the value of digital presentations in reaching global audiences but emphasized the gaming community’s desire for face-to-face interaction and hands-on experiences.

"We are eager to return in 2023 by providing both a digital and a physical gathering," Pierre-Louis said in a statement paraphrased for clarity.

"As important as it is to reach global audiences through digital showcases, there's a strong desire for in-person connection—meeting, sharing, and celebrating what makes video games special." Summer Game Fest, hosted by Geoff Keighley, has emerged as the centerpiece of June's gaming announcements in E3’s absence, blending live events in Los Angeles with digital broadcasts.

Despite the evolving landscape, Pierre-Louis emphasized E3’s tradition as an in-person media event since its inception in 1995, while also recognizing the necessity of adapting to new digital trends.

According to Pierre-Louis, "There remains a vital role for physical gatherings, even as we expand digital reach.

Blending in-person and online experiences is essential to what E3 aims to deliver." Since its last in-person show in 2019, E3 has experimented with shifting formats to align with global health measures and industry needs.

The 2021 edition transitioned to a fully digital event, and plans for a 2022 return were halted earlier this year.

This commitment to a hybrid approach in 2023 signals ESA's intent to adapt while preserving the show's core identity. E3 has historically been a launching pad for major Nintendo announcements, often preceding Nintendo Direct streams that reveal highly anticipated releases for the Nintendo Switch.

The expo’s return in 2023 is expected to restore a central meeting ground for developers, press, and fans, ensuring that key moments—such as the unveiling of new Switch titles or hardware—receive the global attention they deserve. While detailed dates for E3 2023 have yet to be confirmed, the ESA’s announcement is a clear indication that one of gaming’s premier expos is preparing for a significant comeback.

Stay tuned to official outlets, including the eShop and Nintendo Direct, as more information becomes available regarding schedules and participation for one of the industry’s most venerable events.

E3 ESA Stan Pierre-Louis