Nintendo and Industry Leaders Respond to E3 2023 Absence and ReedPop's Expo Challenges

Nintendo’s decision to skip E3 2023 has underscored a transformative moment for the video game industry’s most famous trade show, as event organizer ReedPop faces ongoing challenges in revitalizing the expo’s legacy.

The absence of not just Nintendo, but all three major console manufacturers at E3 this year, has fueled dialogue among fans, insiders, and renowned industry figures regarding the evolving landscape of major gaming events. Following widespread reports, Nintendo officially confirmed that it would not participate in the 2023 edition of the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), which is scheduled to run from June 13th to June 16th.

This announcement, coupled with the absence of PlayStation and Xbox, signaled a move away from the traditional centralization of announcements at E3 in favor of more dispersed, digital-first approaches such as Nintendo Direct presentations and online showcases.

The shift points to a strategic realignment in marketing and fan engagement by major developers and hardware manufacturers. ReedPop, the company behind large-scale fan events such as PAX and Comic Con, took on the challenge of reviving E3 after several years of pandemic-related disruptions and waning attendance.

The organization has yet to unveil specific plans for how E3 2023 will distinguish itself from other events in its portfolio.

However, its efforts to breathe new life into the expo have been met with both anticipation and skepticism within the industry. Former Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aimé, a respected figure in the gaming community, sparked further conversation online when he responded to a social media post referencing E3’s declining presence.

Drawing a parallel between the closure of Nintendo’s Miiverse social platform and the current state of E3, Fils-Aimé wittily highlighted how both have experienced periods of emptiness and transition.

His comment, widely shared by outlets including My Nintendo News, encapsulated the sentiment that the once-unmissable expo faces a new and uncertain reality.

Noted industry host and Summer Games Fest creator Geoff Keighley responded to Fils-Aimé’s remark with light-hearted amusement, reflecting the camaraderie and competitive spirit between different event organizers and industry veterans. E3 2023 is set to take place at the Los Angeles Convention Center, with ReedPop aiming to attract industry professionals, media, and fans alike.

But the confirmed absence of Nintendo—a company whose Nintendo Switch hardware and Nintendo Direct showcases have garnered massive audiences and reshaped event communication—raises important questions about the long-term future of physical gaming expos.

In recent years, Nintendo has demonstrated considerable success in delivering news directly to its audience via the eShop and digital channels, reducing reliance on traditional expos. As ReedPop prepares to host E3 2023, all eyes remain on how the event will evolve to meet the needs of an industry increasingly embracing digital innovation and decentralized engagement.

While E3’s prominence may be challenged, the ongoing participation and rivalries between leading companies and personalities continue to shape the conversation around the future of gaming’s most iconic showcases.

Nintendo Nintendo of America Reggie Fils-Aimé America E3 2023 ReedPop E3