With the ESA officially pulling the plug on E3, our team is looking back on some of their favorite moments from the iconic industry event.
For as long as we’ve been around (even before we called ourselves Cinelinx), we have covered the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). It was such an institution for the gaming industry it was almost impossible NOT to cover it in some capacity. As gamers ourselves, we loved seeing what was on the horizon. As our site grew, we eventually had the opportunity to send a team to the event in person for several years.
While we knew the writing was on the wall in regards to E3’s fate, the loss is still something of a bummer. As such, our gaming team decided to share their favorite memories about E3.
Jordan
Well before writing about games in a professional capacity was even an idea…I loved E3. In the early 00’s I avidly watched G4 TV’s round-the-clock coverage like a hawk, eager to glimpse a look at games I was excited for, while also seeing interviews from developers happy to discuss as much as they could.
Even as I grew older and eventually started covering the event on a regular basis (coordinating our team on the ground as well), when I think about E3, I still envision those moments of me enjoying it at home with the G4 crew. When I look at it now, I realize how formative it was for me. Gaming had long been a hobby of mine, and something I loved deeply. Watching all the live E3 coverage, however, provided a deeper insight into how they came to be and the people behind them.
Seeing a game dev on the stage, visibly excited, talking about the specifics of a new game, or technological advance opened up an all new side of the industry I’d never thought much of before. In many ways, watching all the E3 goodness is what made me want to learn more about the overall industry and eventually write about it.
Even in the latter years, as the event became more about the reveals/trailers than industry details, there was something special about seeing developers excited to share their creations. To get that first hands-on feedback that proves so vital to a game’s development. While other events have certainly stepped up to fill the announcement gap, it’s still nothing compared to those latter days.
Becky
While it seems my dreams of attending E3 are forever dead, I do have plenty of memories of watching coverage of the event. E3 seemed like gaming heaven to me, with all the reveals of upcoming games and these huge displays everywhere. It was always exciting to see what was going to be revealed at E3, because you always knew that there would be at LEAST one big announcement that would blow everyone’s minds.
It’s really sad to see E3 go. I know the different companies all have their own separate events, but hopefully something like E3 comes along again, someplace where we can all gather and gasp in awe at the new gaming developments.
SOLEB
Since I was a kid, I have always been passionate about video games. As I grew older, my love for gaming only intensified, and I decided that I wanted to pursue a career in the gaming industry. E3, the Electronic Entertainment Expo, was the biggest gaming showcase in the world, and attending it was a dream that I had held for years.
To make my dream a reality, I worked tirelessly for several online publications, writing game reviews, hosting a podcast, and doing everything in my power to establish myself as a trusted gaming expert. I poured countless hours into my work, honing my skills and building a loyal following among my readers and listeners.
After working for others for several years, my close friends Jenn, Jeremy, Jason, and I decided to start our website called 2nd Opinion Productions. As we closed down the website, I decided to keep the podcast and YouTube page active, and that’s when things started to get even better.
Finally, after years of hard work and dedication, I started working with Cinelinx and was given the opportunity to attend E3 as Media. I was over the moon with excitement, and I couldn’t believe that my dream was finally coming true. As I packed my bags and prepared to head to the expo, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment that I had never felt before.
Attending E3 was an incredible experience. All the games, the people I haven’t seen in years, the announcements during showcases…It was a surreal and unforgettable experience that I will always cherish. Though I did only go to two, I have to say my most memorable experience was handing out the Cinelinx Best of 2019 Nominations to the game development teams. I believe this was the first time we were able to do that in person and it was honestly one of the coolest things I have ever done in my years in the games industry!
Katy
I spent 95% of my E3 enjoying years as an at-home spectator. Requesting off work to catch the showcases and watching the livestreamed events as Twitch and streaming became more accessible. Eventually, I was working at GameStop and I got to bond with my customers over the show, and not long after I was writing for Cinelinx and getting to voice my opinions and speculation through the years.
In 2019, I got to attend my first and only E3 and it was for Cinelinx. It was an amazing time and I am forever grateful I got to experience the fun and excitement, even if it was in the twilight of the convention’s life.
It’s hard to pin down an exact favorite moment, but I am awash in the nostalgia of all of the happy summers through the years (and in many different season of my own life) that gave me the chance to bond with my friends and readers who find happiness and fellowship in this insane and diverse hobby of ours.
While other events are already lining up to take its place, there will also be something special about E3. There’s no denying the impact it had on the gaming industry and will always be a vital part of that history.
