History MediaNotes / E3InThe2010sAndThe2020s

This page covers moments of the UsefulNotes/ElectronicEntertainmentExpo (E3) from 2010 to 2019 and 2021, as well as its cancellations in the [[TheNew20s 2020s]] and eventual official end in 2023.

** Other games given spotlights included Switch versions for the two ''Life is Strange'' releases from Square Enix's presentation, ''VideoGame/SuperMonkeyBall: Banana Mania'', ''VideoGame/MarioPartySuperstars'', ''VideoGame/WarioWare: Get It Together!'', and a release date trailer for ''VideoGame/ShinMegamiTenseiV''. Within the smaller headlines, some of the bigger announcements were ''Franchise/{{Danganronpa}} Decadence'' (an [[MilestoneCelebration anniversary]] CompilationRerelease which also marks the franchise's debut on a Nintendo platform), a Switch port of ''VideoGame/FatalFrameMaidenOfBlackWater'' (later revealed to be a multiplatform release), and ''[[VideoGame/NintendoWars Advance Wars]] 1+2 Re-Boot Camp'' (the return of the long-dormant strategy series via a compilation remake of the two Platform/GameBoyAdvance entries). The Japanese version of the Direct also revealed ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWars30'' (later revealed to be a multiplatform release with a worldwide English release on Platform/{{Steam}} only).

* Microsoft basically had to do some damage control, as the Platform/XboxOne reveal a few weeks prior failed to impress gamers, partially from its actual gaming capabilities being OutOfFocus in favor of TV and movies, but mainly due to the reveal of its restrictive UsefulNotes/{{DRM}} features.[[note]]It required a ''constant'' internet connection to run daily authentication checks (and Microsoft was [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEOuKH-W8yM openly dismissive]] of people who didn't have good internet service), and wouldn't play used or borrowed game discs without an elaborate process that may involve extra fees.[[/note]] Their presentation addressed the former point well, with ''VideoGame/MetalGearSolidVThePhantomPain'' and its open-world mechanics, Respawn Entertainment's new ''VideoGame/{{Titanfall}}'' FirstPersonShooter[=/=]MechaGame, ''VideoGame/RyseSonOfRome'', an exclusive-Xbox One reboot of ''VideoGame/KillerInstinct'' (though oddly enough, not developed by Creator/{{Rare}}), ''VideoGame/CrimsonDragon'' (now headed to the Xbox One), ''VideoGame/DeadRising3'' exclusive to the console, ''VideoGame/TheWitcher3WildHunt'', ''VideoGame/{{Battlefield 4}}'' with timed-exclusive DownloadableContent, and ''VideoGame/{{Minecraft}}''. To compete with the Platform/PlayStation4, Microsoft will partner with Website/{{Twitch}} for live-streaming integration (by comparison, Sony would use Ustream on their console), getting rid of the dreaded Microsoft Points once their console launches, offer Xbox Live gold members free games every month and a ProductFacelift for the Xbox 360 with a look similar to the Xbox One. However, the DRM issue still loomed large, and pricing for the console had been called steep by the audience at $499 US, and quite a bit more in other territories. Post-conference, further details regarding the launch of the Xbox One in only 21 countries was not pleasing to certain audience members. Notably, after the jabs they received throughout E3 over the new DRM system (particularly Sony's, see below), Microsoft announced the week afterward that they were abandoning it in favor of the policies used on the the Xbox 360.

** As you might guess, ''Smash Bros.'' was at the center of Nintendo's announcements; with UsefulNotes/{{Mii}} Fighters, Palutena from ''VideoGame/KidIcarus'' (with a cameo from Dark Pit at the end, though he wasn't confirmed as a fighter until later), and VideoGame/PacMan being announced for the roster. There was also the official unveiling of their Toys/{{amiibo}} NFC figure system, to be used with ''Smash Bros.'' and other games.

* One last surprise announcement quietly slipped in right as the expo was wrapping up: Creator/{{Atari}} was going to re-enter the UsefulNotes/ConsoleWars with a machine called the "Ataribox", later renamed the Platform/AtariVCS.

* The week before the show, Website/{{Google}} suddenly jumped into the industry with a presentation about Platform/GoogleStadia, their UsefulNotes/CloudGaming service. They revealed its pricing, internet requirements, and that it would launch the next November. As for games coming to Stadia, first came the exclusive reveal that Creator/LarianStudios were developing a new entry in the ''Franchise/BaldursGate'' series, ''VideoGame/BaldursGateIII''. Then they followed with ''VideoGame/GhostReconBreakpoint'', the creepy stealth/puzzle game ''VideoGame/{{Gylt}}'', the comedic ''VideoGame/GetPacked'', ''VideoGame/TheDivision2'' and ''VideoGame/Destiny2''.

** New IP announcements came with a reveal trailer called ''VideoGame/{{Transference}}'' directed by Creator/ElijahWood, and a pirate themed multiplayer game, ''Videogame/SkullAndBones'' (which is rotting in DevelopmentHell as of 2021).

** The conference closed out with a new trailer for ''VideoGame/BeyondGoodAndEvil2'', a game that was last seen in development in 2008.

** Notably, three games from last year's Direct -- ''Metroid Prime 4'', the Switch ''Yoshi'' game, and ''Pokémon'' Generation VIII -- were no-shows. Nintendo stated that the games simply weren't far enough in development, and that (as usual for them) they wanted to focus on games releasing in the next few months.[[note]]Indeed, ''Pokémon'' and ''Metroid'' had been announced unusually early for Nintendo; undoubtedly to help assure fans after the negative receptions to ''Pokémon Let's Go'' and ''Federation Force'', respectively.[[/note]] While ''VideoGame/YoshisCraftedWorld'' and ''VideoGame/PokemonSwordAndShield'' saw release the following year, it turned out that ''Metroid'' was seeing so many problems in development that, six months later, Nintendo publicly admitted that they [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLIv_UXI_So had to scrap it entirely and start over]] (and as of 2023, it's ''still'' MIA).

* Sony had one of the longer press conferences, and it, like Microsoft's, was pretty packed. Games shown included ''{{VideoGame/Destiny}}'' (with a new white PS 4 bundle to match), new IP ''VideoGame/TheOrder1886'', ''{{VideoGame/Entwined}}'', ''VideoGame/InfamousSecondSon'', ''VideoGame/LittleBigPlanet 3'', ''{{VideoGame/Bloodborne}}'', ''VideoGame/DeadIsland2'', ''VideoGame/Magicka2'', a remastered ''VideoGame/GrimFandango'', ''VideoGame/LetItDie'', ''{{VideoGame/Abzu}}'', a controversial-in-hindsight debut of ''VideoGame/NoMansSky'', and the reveal of ''VideoGame/Uncharted4AThiefsEnd''.

* Creator/BandaiNamco capped off the year's E3 with a short presentation on ''VideoGame/TheDarkPicturesAnthology'' game ''VideoGame/HouseOfAshes'', where they unveiled a new trailer and confirmed a release date (October 22, 2021).

** A couple big pre-existing releases were revealed to be coming to Xbox Game Pass: ''VideoGame/YakuzaLikeADragon'', the final mainline ''VideoGame/{{Yakuza}}'' game not already on Game Pass, was added that very day, while indie darling ''VideoGame/{{Hades}}'' was announced for both a Game Pass and physical Xbox release later that year on August 13. Ten additional Bethesda games, including [[VideoGame/Fallout1 the]] [[VideoGame/Fallout2 first]] [[VideoGame/Fallout3 three]] ''Franchise/{{Fallout}}'' games and ''VideoGame/FalloutTactics'', were also added the day of the presentation.

This page covers moments of the UsefulNotes/ElectronicEntertainmentExpo (E3) from 2010 to 2019 and 2021, as well as its cancellations in the [[TheNewTwenties 2020s]] and eventual official end in 2023.

** A SurvivalHorror game based on ''Film/TheBlairWitchProject'' simply titled ''VideoGame/BlairWitch'' was announced to be released on August 30, 2019, set in [[TheNineties 1996]] and developed by Bloober Team of ''VideoGame/LayersOfFear'' fame.

* Creator/{{Microsoft}}: The main focus this year was the UsefulNotes/Xbox360's controller-less system announced in '09, now titled the "Kinect". Kinect games shown were casual titles that showcased using your own body instead of button inputs (such as playing with a baby tiger or navigating a river in a raft). A new ProductFacelift of the 360 was also announced, which would feature a smaller and quieter (and shinier) design, as well as built-in Wi-Fi, at the same price as a regular 360. An Oprah-like event occurred at the end of the presentation, where each member of the audience got a free 360. Fans have naturally mocked this, their main complaints being that Microsoft was basically ripping off Nintendo and its E3 presentations, and quite a few people have compared this event to Nintendo's event from 2008. The girl playing with the pet tiger in ''VideoGame/{{Kinectimals}}'' ("Skittles!") and the people showing off ''VideoGame/DanceCentral'' had already became a meme.
* Creator/{{Nintendo}}'s big item was the UsefulNotes/Nintendo3DS handheld, with 3D capabilities and other enhancements as well as an impressive list of third-party support. As for games, in addition to showing off ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaSkywardSword'' and ''VideoGame/EpicMickey'', Nintendo also announced {{revival}}s for several long-dormant franchises: ''VideoGame/GoldenSunDarkDawn'', ''VideoGame/GoldenEye2010'', ''VideoGame/KirbysEpicYarn'', ''VideoGame/DonkeyKongCountryReturns'', and most shockingly, ''VideoGame/KidIcarusUprising''. The showing can basically be summed up in [[https://www.penny-arcade.com/comic/2010/06/16/lets-get-ready-to-rummmmbllllle this]] ''Webcomic/PennyArcade'' comic (middle panel).
* Creator/{{Sony|InteractiveEntertainment}}'s presentation was pretty average. Aside from [[VideoGame/PlayStationMoveHeroes a crossover game for the PlayStation Move controller]] featuring Franchise/RatchetAndClank, VideoGame/JakAndDaxter, and VideoGame/SlyCooper, the biggest announcement came from Creator/ValveSoftware CEO Gabe Newell, who announced that ''VideoGame/{{Portal 2}}'' would come to the [=PlayStation 3=] in spite of his previous dislike for the platform, as well as a new UsefulNotes/{{Steam}}-like program to play it on. Oh, they also announced a new ''VideoGame/TwistedMetal'' game for the [=PS3=]. The true highlight of the conference, and in some cases of the entire show, was when their ad campaign character Advertising/KevinButler gave a speech onstage, one that crossed generational and console lines [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwPWN3Ul6U8 and spoke to gamers everywhere]].

* Sony's press conference was adequate. The good news was that the UsefulNotes/{{PlayStation Vita}} handheld was named after being revealed last year (and now priced at $250), which has touch screen controls and can suspend play to pick up later on the [=PlayStation 3=] and vice versa. In addition, ''VideoGame/SlyCooperThievesInTime'' was announced, more ''VideoGame/LittleBigPlanet'' and ''VideoGame/ModNationRacers'' games are on the way, and [[VideoGame/{{Infamous}} Cole McGrath]] was going to fight in ''VideoGame/StreetFighterXTekken''.

** Nintendo's press conference was (for Nintendo fans, at least) pretty awesome, with the chief announcement being the reveal of the next home console, the UsefulNotes/WiiU. The primary innovation of this one was the controller, which looks like a small tablet PC with more buttons, allowing ideas like "[[AsymmetricMultiplayer asynchronous gameplay]]" (where the player with the new controller has vastly different gameplay/objectives/experiences than the ones using Wiimotes), or things like not even requiring the TV if someone else wants to watch a show... and after the conference, Nintendo had to reconfirm to confused journalists and fans that, yes, it's a new console, not an add-on for the UsefulNotes/{{Wii}} - a harbinger of the weak marketing that would help doom the Wii U to failure.
** To celebrate the 25th Anniversary of ''Franchise/TheLegendOfZelda'', Nintendo had plenty up their sleeves. A free version of ''[[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaFourSwords Four Swords]]'' for [=DSiWare=], ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaLinksAwakening'' for the new 3DS UsefulNotes/VirtualConsole, and two soundtracks - one from ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaOcarinaOfTime'', if people were one of the first handful to register their copy of ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaOcarinaOfTime 3D'' on Club Nintendo (also free), and one of fully orchestrated ''Zelda'' tunes for those who plan on getting ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaSkywardSword''. Nintendo also announced they would hold live orchestra shows (titled ''The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses''), conducting music from the ''Zelda'' games, in various regions of the world (something that would continue on for years afterward).
** For the UsefulNotes/Nintendo3DS, a slew of games were announced. New ''Franchise/SuperMarioBros'', ''VideoGame/MarioKart'', and ''VideoGame/LuigisMansion'' games, (later titled ''VideoGame/SuperMario3DLand'', ''VideoGame/MarioKart7'', and ''VideoGame/LuigisMansionDarkMoon'', respectively), ''VideoGame/StarFox64 3D'', ''VideoGame/KidIcarusUprising'', and a handful of 3rd-party games. They also announced a [[Franchise/{{Pokemon}} Pokédex]] app.
** The 3DS' UsefulNotes/VirtualConsole was detailed to be selling UsefulNotes/GameBoy and UsefulNotes/GameBoyColor games, with ''VideoGame/SuperMarioLand'', ''[[BreakingOut Alleyway]]'', and ''Radar Mission'' being the first games released. Nintendo also announced that several classic Nintendo titles (and those OlderThanTheNES) would get a 3D facelift, starting with ''VideoGame/{{Excitebike}}'', as part of the new 3D Classics series - and that this first one would be complimentary.

* Ubisoft's conference was very strong, especially considering how many of their games were held until other conferences to trumpet their host systems. ''[[VideoGame/JustDance Just Dance 4]]'' started it off and ''VideoGame/FarCry3'' got showcased (as well as the bare breasts of a character, triggering some controversy), alongside the much-anticipated ''VideoGame/AssassinsCreedIII''. A ''VideoGame/RaymanOrigins'' sequel, ''VideoGame/RaymanLegends'', was demoed on-stage with the Nintendo UsefulNotes/WiiU of the upcoming releases. The presentation was capped by ''VideoGame/WatchDogs'', which many considered the best announcement/game of the show.

* Microsoft basically had to do some damage control, as the UsefulNotes/XboxOne reveal a few weeks prior failed to impress gamers, partially from its actual gaming capabilities being OutOfFocus in favor of TV and movies, but mainly due to the reveal of its restrictive UsefulNotes/{{DRM}} features.[[note]]It required a ''constant'' internet connection to run daily authentication checks (and Microsoft was [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEOuKH-W8yM openly dismissive]] of people who didn't have good internet service), and wouldn't play used or borrowed game discs without an elaborate process that may involve extra fees.[[/note]] Their presentation addressed the former point well, with ''VideoGame/MetalGearSolidVThePhantomPain'' and its open-world mechanics, Respawn Entertainment's new ''VideoGame/{{Titanfall}}'' FirstPersonShooter[=/=]MechaGame, ''VideoGame/RyseSonOfRome'', an exclusive-Xbox One reboot of ''VideoGame/KillerInstinct'' (though oddly enough, not developed by Creator/{{Rare}}), ''VideoGame/CrimsonDragon'' (now headed to the Xbox One), ''VideoGame/DeadRising3'' exclusive to the console, ''VideoGame/TheWitcher3WildHunt'', ''VideoGame/{{Battlefield 4}}'' with timed-exclusive DownloadableContent, and ''VideoGame/{{Minecraft}}''. To compete with the UsefulNotes/PlayStation4, Microsoft will partner with Website/{{Twitch}} for live-streaming integration (by comparison, Sony would use Ustream on their console), getting rid of the dreaded Microsoft Points once their console launches, offer Xbox Live gold members free games every month and a ProductFacelift for the Xbox 360 with a look similar to the Xbox One. However, the DRM issue still loomed large, and pricing for the console had been called steep by the audience at $499 US, and quite a bit more in other territories. Post-conference, further details regarding the launch of the Xbox One in only 21 countries was not pleasing to certain audience members. Notably, after the jabs they received throughout E3 over the new DRM system (particularly Sony's, see below), Microsoft announced the week afterward that they were abandoning it in favor of the policies used on the the Xbox 360.
* Sony debuted the [=PlayStation 4=] for the first time since its official reveal a few months back, including showing off the physical console. Sony representatives continued to reiterate their stance on supporting independent developers with exclusive releases for the console. As far as other games go, while ''VideoGame/TheLastGuardian'' was still missing-in-action, ''Final Fantasy Versus XIII'' was officially retitled as ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXV'' and ''VideoGame/KingdomHeartsIII'' was finally announced as in development (it would not be released for another 6 years), alongside the world premiere of gameplay from ''VideoGame/{{Destiny}}''. Sony then made one of the most talked-about moments of the show by taking dead aim at Microsoft and its then new [=DRM=] policies, proclaiming that the [=PS4=] would have no DRM that wasn't on the [=PS3=] and [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWSIFh8ICaA mocked Microsoft for adding complications]]. Sony promised that the UsefulNotes/{{PlayStation Network}} would continue to work on the [=PS4=], carrying over from the current generation to the next; unfortunately, online multiplayer still required a [=PlayStation=] Plus subscription for the new console. To end off the conference, Sony listed the retail price of the [=PS4=] at $399 US to cheers from the audience.

* EA's conference unveiled 11 new games alongside ''Titanfall'' for the UsefulNotes/XboxOne. The arguably biggest announcement was of a new ''VideoGame/{{Star Wars Battlefront|2015}}'' being developed by DICE ([[AndZoidberg who also showed]] ''Battlefield 4''). As usual for EA, they also showed off a new ''VideoGame/NeedForSpeed'', this one named ''Rivals'', a new ''VideoGame/{{FIFA|Soccer}}'', ''NBA'', ''Madden'', and another ''UFC''. DICE also, shockingly, announced a sequel to their cult classic ''VideoGame/MirrorsEdge'', which had been requested for several years now. ''Dragon Age 3'' was also renamed to ''VideoGame/DragonAgeInquisition'', and the first trailer was announced.

** Notably, and for the first time since it was debuted back in 2009, not a single game was shown or mentioned as using the UsefulNotes/{{Kinect}}. This unofficially marked the end of the device's tenure, and though it was never abandoned or retired officially, the push to sell the device or integrate it heavily into Xbox games ended there.

* Nintendo continued their strategy of using webcasts via Nintendo Treehouse, public demos at nationwide stores of Best Buy (this time featuring ''VideoGame/SuperMarioMaker''), and a tournament. While the headlining Digital Event wasn't ''bad'', it disappointed fans due to a lack of big, exciting announcements - two such items (the [[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaBreathOfTheWild next major]] ''Zelda'' game and [[UsefulNotes/NintendoSwitch home console]]) were specifically being held for next year (and the home console didn't even show up ''then''), and most things that were shown were either already known (''Mario Maker'' and ''VideoGame/StarFoxZero'' were discussed the year prior) or not really what fans were looking for (mostly multiplayer spinoffs when fans wanted regular installments - ''VideoGame/MetroidPrimeFederationForce'' in particular angered fans that were desperate for ''Franchise/{{Metroid}}'' to get back on track after ''VideoGame/MetroidOtherM'').

*** First was the announcement of the Xbox One S to be released later in 2016. The S model is 40% smaller than the original model, can be placed vertically on its side, moves the side USB port and controller sync button to the front, no longer uses the bulky "power brick", is colored white, and includes a revision of the Xbox One controller with textured grips, increased signal range, and Bluetooth support to allow for gaming on PC without a separate adapter. The new S console also introduced 4K video support and high-dynamic-range (HDR) coloring. Showing further signs that Microsoft is distancing itself from UsefulNotes/{{Kinect}}, there is no longer a dedicated proprietary Kinect port, but Microsoft will give out USB 3.0 adapters for existing owners of the sensor.

** A new "Xbox Play Anywhere" program was announced, allowing gamers to play some Xbox One games on their [[UsefulNotes/MicrosoftWindows Windows 10]] [=PCs=] without having to re-purchase the game, with cross-platform play capabilities between console and computer.

* By this time, the Wii U had gone from "struggling" to "all but dead"; and with Nintendo's [[UsefulNotes/NintendoSwitch next console]] (codenamed the "NX") not ready to show, they decided to scale back, abandon things like tournaments and even a main announcement webcast in favor of solely livestreaming from the E3 show floor, and go all-in on their Wii U SwanSong, the next ''Zelda'' entry. Titled ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaBreathOfTheWild'', it was revealed to be [[CrossgenerationVideoGame an NX launch title as well as releasing for Wii U]] and feature a huge open world, numerous gameplay changes, and a beautiful graphical overhaul. The focus on ''Zelda'' by Nintendo proved to be a very wise move - the game was a smash hit with attendees and the press, [[http://nintendoeverything.com/zelda-was-the-most-tweeted-about-game-at-e3-2016/ dominating social media]] and topping many Game of the Show lists. Their booth was also elaborately decorated with ''Zelda'' statues and scenery for photo ops, which only helped boost Zelda's online presence. While ''Zelda'' was the big feature, Nintendo did have smaller announcements throughout the livestream: ''VideoGame/MarioPartyStarRush'', some new ''Mario'' and ''Zelda'' Toys/{{amiibo}}, a new IP called ''VideoGame/EverOasis'', a Western release for ''Box{{VideoGame/BoxBoy}}!!'', and a release ''that day'' for ''VideoGame/RhythmHeaven Megamix''. They also gave extended looks at ''VideoGame/PokemonSunAndMoon'', ''VideoGame/PokemonGo'', ''VideoGame/PaperMarioColorSplash'', ''VideoGame/MonsterHunterGenerations'', a ''VideoGame/DragonQuestVII'' remake, and ''VideoGame/YokaiWatch2''.

** As a big surprise, Phil Spencer revealed that OG UsefulNotes/{{Xbox}} games would be made backward compatible for Xbox One in the same vein as Xbox 360 backwards compatibility,[[note]]Players download a digital copy of a compatible game if they insert the original disc in the console or buy it off the Xbox Games Store. If done via disc, then player must have the disc in the console every time they play.[[/note]] with System Link support. Only fan favorite ''VideoGame/CrimsonSkies'' was announced to be part of the program when it launches later in the year.

* Between last E3 and this year's, Nintendo had not only unveiled the "NX" as the UsefulNotes/NintendoSwitch in October 2016, but gave a basic overview of the system's launch year lineup in January, and launched it in March alongside ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaBreathOfTheWild''. As such, Creator/{{Nintendo}} was back to their usual E3 format: a main "Nintendo Spotlight" web presentation, all-day Treehouse livestreams, and some gaming tournaments (this time ''three'' of them: ''VideoGame/{{ARMS}}'', ''VideoGame/Splatoon2'', and ''VideoGame/PokkenTournament DX''). The nationwide demo events from prior years did not return, sadly.
** The week before E3, three ''Franchise/{{Pokemon}}'' games were announced: ''VideoGame/PokkenTournament DX'' (an UpdatedRerelease for the Switch), ''VideoGame/PokemonUltraSunAndUltraMoon'', and a UsefulNotes/VirtualConsole release for ''VideoGame/PokemonGoldAndSilver''.

* One last surprise announcement quietly slipped in right as the expo was wrapping up: Creator/{{Atari}} was going to re-enter the UsefulNotes/ConsoleWars with a machine called the "Ataribox", later renamed the UsefulNotes/AtariVCS.

** ''VideoGame/StarlinkBattleForAtlas'' was re-revealed with the surprise announcement that ''VideoGame/StarFox'' content would be a part of the [[UsefulNotes/NintendoSwitch Switch]] version, including an Arwing toy. ''Star Fox'' creator Creator/ShigeruMiyamoto made an appearance to accept the prototype miniature of the Arwing from the game.

* The week before the show, Website/{{Google}} suddenly jumped into the industry with a presentation about UsefulNotes/GoogleStadia, their UsefulNotes/CloudGaming service. They revealed its pricing, internet requirements, and that it would launch the next November. As for games coming to Stadia, first came the exclusive reveal that Creator/LarianStudios were developing a new entry in the ''Franchise/BaldursGate'' series, ''VideoGame/BaldursGateIII''. Then they followed with ''VideoGame/GhostReconBreakpoint'', the creepy stealth/puzzle game ''VideoGame/{{Gylt}}'', the comedic ''VideoGame/GetPacked'', ''VideoGame/TheDivision2'' and ''VideoGame/Destiny2''.

** The next generation Xbox console, codenamed "Project Scarlett" (and named outside of E3 as the UsefulNotes/XboxSeriesXAndS) was announced, set for a holiday 2020 release. In addition, ''VideoGame/HaloInfinite'' was the last game shown at the conference, revealed to be a launch title for the system. (It got delayed to the end of 2021, a year after the Xbox Series' launch.)

*** ''VideoGame/TheElderScrollsBlades'' got a new content drop featuring new jobs, battles, gear, and a dragon-centric questline, along with a port to the UsefulNotes/NintendoSwitch - still free, and cross-save is supported.

** ''VideoGame/JustDance 2020'' was unsurprisingly announced, and while it has abandoned the UsefulNotes/Xbox360 and UsefulNotes/WiiU, the game is still coming to the latter's predecessor, the UsefulNotes/{{Wii}}.

** Ahead of the event's cancellation, Sony announced in January that they were once again electing to skip E3 entirely. Their given reason was that they felt "the vision of E3 2020 is not the right venue for what we are focused on this year." Since this was the year they were to release the UsefulNotes/PlayStation5, Sony's absence from the event at a time when they were expected to have the HollywoodHypeMachine at full power was considered the first major sign that the event was no longer the announcement powerhouse that it once was.

* Geoff Keighley again opted not to officially participate in E3 this year, instead running Summer Games Fest for a second year in a row with the continued assistance of [=iam8bit=], as well as new partner Creator/{{Amazon}} Prime Gaming as a sort of rival event. A few big announcements occurred on the Fest's starting date at both the official kickoff livestream and a subsequent presentation by IGN, strategically dated for June 10: the day before E3 proper began. Some of these announcements included the re-debut of Creator/FromSoftware and Creator/GeorgeRRMartin's ''VideoGame/EldenRing'', slated for a January 2022 launch; [[UpdatedRerelease updated versions]] of ''VideoGame/DeathStranding'' and ''VisualNovel/DokiDokiLiteratureClub'', with the former being a Director's Cut release for the [[UsefulNotes/PlayStation5 PS5]] with no announced date and the latter adding new content and updated graphics set to release physically and digitally on all then-current consoles and PC later that month on June 30; and finally, ''VideoGame/TinyTinasWonderlands'', a ''VideoGame/{{Borderlands}}'' spinoff in the vein of the ''Tiny Tina's Assualt on Dragon Keep'' DLC campaign from ''VideoGame/Borderlands2''. The event would last a month this time, running until July 22.
* Creator/DevolverDigital continued their tradition of [[AddedAlliterativeAppeal parodical presentations]] as part of Summer Game Fest rather than E3. As part of this, the framing device saw it being set in a new "continuity", as it were, that featured the same cast and was centered around the [[BlatantLies totally real]] ''Devolver [=MaxPass=]+'', a free subscription service that offers all Devolver Digital titles as premium purchases (don't worry, you're already subscribed). Besides that, eight upcoming releases- er, "Devolver [=MaxPass=]+ Premium Purchases" were showcased: most notably ''VideoGame/ShadowWarrior3'', ''VideoGame/TrekToYomi'', ''VideoGame/DeathsDoor'', ''VideoGame/{{Inscryption}}'', and ''VideoGame/DemonThrottle''. ''Demon Throttle'', in an intriguing move, was announced for a limited-run physical-only release on UsefulNotes/NintendoSwitch sometime in 2022, with pre-orders going live that day. And yes, you read that right: this game was only going to get ''a single, limited physical run, with no digital release planned''.

** On the subject of ''[[VideoGame/RainbowSixSiege Siege]]'', crossplay and cross-saves for that game were detailed, with players on PC, UsefulNotes/GoogleStadia, and Creator/{{Amazon}} Luna able to take advantage of the feature starting June 30, with support for other consoles slated for the following year. A story trailer for the then-upcoming operative Thunderbird was also shown.

** After being accidentally leaked earlier that day, ''VideoGame/MarioPlusRabbidsSparksOfHope'', a space-faring sequel to ''VideoGame/MarioPlusRabbidsKingdomBattle'' was officially announced for a 2022 release on UsefulNotes/NintendoSwitch.

* Creator/{{Microsoft}} and Creator/{{Bethesda}} had a joint presentation this year, with the former having finalized their acquisition of the latter earlier in March 2021. Following its tease as "Project Scarlett" at E3 2019, this was the first proper E3 show for the UsefulNotes/XboxSeriesXAndS, which was released during the 2020 holiday season.

** This was followed up with the announcement of ''Franchise/FinalFantasy Pixel Remaster'', a remastered collection of the first six games in the series but (at the time) only for UsefulNotes/{{Steam}} and mobile phones.

** Other games given spotlights included Switch versions for the two ''Life is Strange'' releases from Square Enix's presentation, ''VideoGame/SuperMonkeyBall: Banana Mania'', ''VideoGame/MarioPartySuperstars'', ''VideoGame/WarioWare: Get It Together!'', and a release date trailer for ''VideoGame/ShinMegamiTenseiV''. Within the smaller headlines, some of the bigger announcements were ''Franchise/{{Danganronpa}} Decadence'' (an [[MilestoneCelebration anniversary]] CompilationRerelease which also marks the franchise's debut on a Nintendo platform), a Switch port of ''VideoGame/FatalFrameMaidenOfBlackWater'' (later revealed to be a multiplatform release), and ''[[VideoGame/NintendoWars Advance Wars]] 1+2 Re-Boot Camp'' (the return of the long-dormant strategy series via a compilation remake of the two UsefulNotes/GameBoyAdvance entries). The Japanese version of the Direct also revealed ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWars30'' (later revealed to be a multiplatform release with a worldwide English release on UsefulNotes/{{Steam}} only).
** The final segment was devoted to ''Franchise/TheLegendOfZelda''[='=]s [[MilestoneCelebration 35th anniversary]]. It featured a trailer and release date (later that week) for the first round of ''VideoGame/HyruleWarriorsAgeOfCalamity'' DLC, a brief look at the ''[[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaSkywardSword Skyward Sword]] HD'' remake coming the next month, and a new, limited edition ''Zelda'' UsefulNotes/GameAndWatch (featuring ports of [[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaI the first]] [[VideoGame/ZeldaIITheAdventureOfLink two games]], the Game Boy version of ''[[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaLinksAwakening Link's Awakening]]'', and a version of the G&W game ''Vermin'' starring Link). The Direct then wrapped up with the long-awaited second trailer for ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTearsOfTheKingdom'' (still unnamed at the time), which received a target release year of 2022.

** ''Fallout 4'' for UsefulNotes/HTCVive was announced, coming 2017, and a playable VR version of ''Doom (2016)'' was on the show floor to try out.

* Of note this year was the sheer number of presentations. Even companies who had never shown up at E3 before had their own digital exhibitions, including but not limited to companies like Creator/{{Netflix}}, Verizon and [[UsefulNotes/IntellivisionAmico Intellivision]]. With no physical show floor or stage presence that required curating, it seemed like there was no barrier for anyone who wanted to participate to find their way onto the schedule.

* Surprisingly, Konami's E3 event was pre-recorded and shown before the event actually started. Some highlights include {{compilation|Rerelease}}s of ''Franchise/MetalGear'' and ''VideoGame/ZoneOfTheEnders'' games, which include [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flK748GogoA the miracle of transfarring]], as well as a reboot of the ''{{VideoGame/Contra}}'' series. Aside from that, however, nothing of major value ([[SoBadItsGood or comedy]]) was released.

* Nintendo's conference was rather sparse, especially in comparison to their three previous E3 shows. The final version of the Wii U was shown and playable. Nintendo's first party offerings were dominated by Mario; ''VideoGame/NewSuperMarioBrosU'', ''VideoGame/NewSuperMarioBros2'', ''VideoGame/LuigisMansionDarkMoon'', and ''VideoGame/PaperMarioStickerStar'' were exhibited. ''VideoGame/Pikmin3'' and ''VideoGame/WiiFit U'' were announced, continuing those franchises, and ''VideoGame/NintendoLand'', a theme-park styled game featuring mini-games drawn from other Nintendo franchises, and meant to be the Wii U equivalent of ''VideoGame/WiiSports''. This was the presentation finisher, capping it with an anemic in-game fireworks display (confetti and balloons were supposedly meant to fall as well, but the mechanism failed). Everything else was third-party titles, overwhelmingly from Ubisoft, but Creator/WarnerBrosInteractiveEntertainment also had a good presence with ''VideoGame/BatmanArkhamCity: Armored Edition'', and ''VideoGame/ScribblenautsUnlimited''. This lackluster showing ended up being Nintendo's final live E3 show, with special E3 "WebVideo/NintendoDirect" webcasts taking its place and other "Directs" throughout the year being equally as likely to have bombshell announcements.
** Also, before the show, the Wii U had been showcased in New York City; where a project codenamed ''Project P-100'' was shown (later officially titled ''VideoGame/TheWonderful101''), as was a new ''VideoGame/WarioWare'' game called ''Game & Wario''. Another presentation dedicated to the 3DS happened the day after the conference, which included a confirmation of a North American release for ''VideoGame/FireEmblemAwakening''; and in the weeks after the show a Nintendo Direct video announced a new 3DS XL model, details on the dev team for the new ''Smash Bros.'', and retro game releases on the 3DS [=eShop=].

* By this time, the Wii U had gone from "struggling" to "all but dead"; and with Nintendo's [[UsefulNotes/NintendoSwitch next console]] (codenamed the "NX") not ready to show, they decided to scale back, abandon things like tournaments and even a main announcement webcast in favor of solely livestreaming from the E3 show floor, and go all-in on their Wii U SwanSong, the next ''Zelda'' entry. Titled ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaBreathOfTheWild'', it was revealed to be [[CrossgenerationVideoGame an NX launch title as well as releasing for Wii U]] and feature a huge open world, numerous gameplay changes, and a beautiful graphical overhaul. The focus on ''Zelda'' by Nintendo proved to be a very wise move - the game was a smash hit with attendees and the press, [[http://nintendoeverything.com/zelda-was-the-most-tweeted-about-game-at-e3-2016/ dominating social media]] and topping many Game of the Show lists. Their booth was also elaborately decorated with ''Zelda'' statues and scenery for photo ops, which only helped boost Zelda's online presence.
** While ''Zelda'' was the big feature, Nintendo did have smaller announcements throughout the livestream: ''VideoGame/MarioPartyStarRush'', some new ''Mario'' and ''Zelda'' Toys/{{amiibo}}, a new IP called ''VideoGame/EverOasis'', a Western release for ''Box{{VideoGame/BoxBoy}}!!'', and a release ''that day'' for ''VideoGame/RhythmHeaven Megamix''. They also gave extended looks at ''VideoGame/PokemonSunAndMoon'', ''VideoGame/PokemonGo'', ''VideoGame/PaperMarioColorSplash'', ''VideoGame/MonsterHunterGenerations'', a ''VideoGame/DragonQuestVII'' remake, and ''VideoGame/YokaiWatch2''.

* Speculation that E3 may be done for good exploded towards the end of June 2023, when [[https://tourism.lacity.gov/sites/g/files/wph1946/files/2023-06/06-21-23%20CTD%20Commission%20Meeting%20Packet.pdf a report]] by the Los Angeles City Tourism Board of Commissioners included a footnote on page 21 revealing that E3 2024 '''and''' 2025 were cancelled, or at the very least, had no plans to make use of the Los Angeles Convention Center. In response, ESA representatives simply stated that [[https://www.engadget.com/e3-2024-and-2025-arent-canceled-yet-222141813.html "no final decision has been made"]] regarding the future of the expo. However, in September, they would [[https://www.gamesindustry.biz/reedpop-and-esa-part-ways-over-e3 not only confirm]] that E3 2024 would not take place in the Los Angeles Convention Center, but that the ESA has ended their partnership with [=ReedPop=].
* On December 12, 2023, the ESA [[https://x.com/E3/status/1734583493592498437?s=20 confirmed the end of E3]], fulfilling the rumors and speculations. ESA President and CEO Stanley Pierre-Louis [[https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/video-games/2023/12/12/e3-permanently-canceled/ confirmed in a Washington Post interview]] that E3 was no more, with Pierre-Louis said saying that ending E3 was "the right thing to do given the new opportunities our industry has to reach fans and partners". After so many years of hype-generating moments and legendary showcases, E3 would end not with a bang, but with a whimper. While E3 had long outlived its usefulness in the wake of direct-to-consumer digital showcases, there will always be fond memories held by those who were there, remembering the build-up, speculation, and excitement the showcases once generated.

** Creator/DevolverDigital continued their tradition of [[AddedAlliterativeAppeal parodical presentations]] as part of Summer Game Fest rather than E3. As part of this, the framing device saw it being set in a new "continuity", as it were, that featured the same cast and was centered around the [[BlatantLies totally real]] ''Devolver [=MaxPass=]+'', a free subscription service that offers all Devolver Digital titles as premium purchases (don't worry, you're already subscribed). Besides that, eight upcoming releases- er, "Devolver [=MaxPass=]+ Premium Purchases" were showcased: most notably ''VideoGame/ShadowWarrior3'', ''VideoGame/TrekToYomi'', ''VideoGame/DeathsDoor'', ''VideoGame/{{Inscryption}}'', and ''VideoGame/DemonThrottle''. ''Demon Throttle'', in an intriguing move, was announced for a limited-run physical-only release on UsefulNotes/NintendoSwitch sometime in 2022, with pre-orders going live that day. And yes, you read that right: this game was only going to get ''a single, limited physical run, with no digital release planned''.

* While the ESA and [=ReedPop=] said that E3 2023 was on for June of that year, the event was once again cancelled on March 30, with [[https://www.ign.com/articles/e3-has-been-canceled the announcement]] stating that the show "simply did not garner the sustained interest necessary to execute it in a way that would showcase the size, strength, and impact of our industry." In plain terms, the show outright ''couldn't'' happen due to most of the usual big partners -- Nintendo, Microsoft, Ubisoft, Sega, and Tencent -- all stating earlier in the year that they wouldn't have a presence on the show floor. With there having only been a single E3 in the past four years, and said event being an underwhelming pure-digital show itself, several gaming pundits began discussing if this was [[CreatorKiller finally the end of one of the industry's biggest trade shows]].
** Most of those companies would go on to host their own digital showcases around the same time instead, with many announcing this intention at the same time they revealed their planned absence. As with the previous year, many of these presentations were joined under the banner of Summer Game Fest and see the participation of even more major developers and publishers (such as Creator/SquareEnix, who shared the first gameplay for the two-disc ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVIIRebirth''). And once again, Creator/{{Sony}} and Creator/{{Nintendo}} opted to hold their usual summer showcases unattached to what some have begun to consider E3's successor on May 24 and June 21, respectively, though Nintendo would have a standard general Direct this time around.

This page covers moments of the UsefulNotes/ElectronicEntertainmentExpo (E3) from 2010 to 2019 and 2021, as well as its decline in the [[TheNewTwenties 2020s]] and eventual official end in 2023.