E3 is, without question, the single biggest event on the gaming calendar. Over 69,000 people attended the California-based convention last year – the highest turnout since 2005. A similar number are expected at E3 2019, which runs from June 11-13 at the Los Angeles Convention Center in California.
With such an impressive gate in mind, it may seem strange that we’re questioning whether the event has effectively run its course for the gaming industry. But bear with us – there have been more than a few whispers that the expo isn’t quite what it once was, and we’ll look at whether these ring true a little later.
E3 Provides Some of Gaming’s Most Memorable Moments
In addition to the flashy expo itself, E3 also plays host to a number of always highly anticipated press conferences for the main players in the video games console industry: Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony. These pressers have become synonymous with the event as a whole over the past 24 years, with gamers salivating over the chance to get a sneak peek at what the year ahead holds for their favourite companies.
As you’d expect, these press conferences have played host to many memorable moments over the years – remembered both for the right and wrong reasons. A small and by no means comprehensive selection include:
Sony’s short-but-sweet announcement of the price and release date of the original PlayStation back in 1995. With one fell swoop, the then-gaming newbie killed the recently announced $399 Sega Saturn dead in its tracks with the immortal one-word zinger of “$299”.
Microsoft’s horrible misstep in 2013, where it announced plans for the upcoming Xbox One console to come with “always-online” requirements…
The same company’s redemption in 2015, when it confirmed (free) backwards-compatibility for the console to rapturous applause.
Former Nintendo president Reggie Fils-Aime’s legendary – and ever-so-slightly cringeworthy – E3 debut in 2004, during which he proclaimed: “My name is Reggie, I’m about kickin’ ass, I’m about takin’ names, and we’re about makin’ games.”
