The Brutal Truth About E3: Why It Self-Destructed According to Geoff Keighley

Geoff Keighley recently shared his thoughts on the cancellation of E3 and the "E3 Killer" moniker given to his Summer Game Fest event. E3 was once a major industry initiative that showcased the biggest AAA titles set for release in the winter and following year. The event attracted the biggest developers and publishers, creating a week-long atmosphere of excitement and hype for the video game industry and players alike. However, in recent years, E3 has struggled to remain relevant, particularly with the global COVID-19 pandemic making it impossible to hold large, in-person gatherings. As a result, companies like Microsoft, Ubisoft, Sony, and Nintendo have had to rethink how they deliver news to fans, with many opting for digital showcases at various times throughout the year. Industry veteran Geoff Keighley, who has experience holding major events like The Game Awards, even launched his own showcase, Summer Game Fest.

Keighley's Summer Games Fest emerged as a prominent event in the gaming industry after E3 2023's attempted comeback was scrapped. Despite being dubbed as the "E3 killer," Keighley dismissed the notion that SGF was solely responsible for E3's downfall. According to Keighley, E3 had been grappling with issues of relevance and participation for several years, which led to a decline in interest and ultimately, the cancellation of the show. Even ReedPop, the current organizer of E3, acknowledged the lack of interest that resulted in the show's cancellation.

Despite the unfortunate circumstances, Keighley expressed his fondness for E3, which he had attended for twenty years. The collapse of the show was, in his words, "heartbreaking." The idea for Summer Games Fest was born out of Keighley's desire to provide gaming enthusiasts with a platform to access the latest news and announcements after E3 was canceled in 2020. SGF was conceptualized as a digital games showcase, distinct from E3's Trade and Consumer event. Keighley believed that both shows could coexist and complement each other, as evidenced by a company's plan to announce its game at SGF and make it consumer-playable at E3.

While E3 attempted a digital event in 2021, it hasn't been held for the past two years. However, our focus was never on competing with E3. Instead, we were dedicated to creating a unique, large-scale digital show for our audience. As for the future of E3, only time will tell. In the meantime, fans can look forward to exciting reveals and surprises at Summer Games Fest. Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty has already been confirmed for the event, and many are eagerly anticipating Hideo Kojima's appearance as well as the first glimpse of gameplay for Mortal Kombat 1 from NetherRealm Studios.

Summer Game Fest will take place on June 8.