Games Journalism veteran and creator of The Game Awards Geoff Keighley posted to social media that he will no longer be participating in the E3 Coliseum for 2020. Dealing another blow to the future of the event and contributing to its spiral out of public interest.
This will mark Keighley’s first time skipping E3 in 25 years
I wanted to share some important news about my plans around E3 2020. pic.twitter.com/EhrreKV9oR
— Geoff Keighley (@geoffkeighley) February 12, 2020
Interestingly enough, when asked as to why Keighley wouldn’t be participating this year, he replied to a twitter user with “I just don’t really feel comfortable participating given what I know about the show as of today”. Which can mean a lot of things from a lack of innovation to something more personal/controversial.
A ton of factors, I just don't really feel comfortable participating given what I know about the show as of today.
— Geoff Keighley (@geoffkeighley) February 12, 2020
Likely in the same ways that Sony and Nintendo have shifted towards they’re State Of Play/Direct, it’s becoming more clear that this style of promotion is more effective and practical than waiting for a giant show (and spending money on said show).
It can also be seen that he believes E3 to be a sinking ship, unable to cater to gaming fans the way it currently does as a purely physical show. With gaming being a born from the online sphere, Keighly tweeted that event should be a digital affair that can grab more people.
I think E3 needs to become more digital and global….it's a brand that means a lot to people, but it shouldn't just be a show floor.
— Geoff Keighley (@geoffkeighley) February 12, 2020
It seems as though E3 is slowly disintegrating on itself, especially after the monumental loss of Sony back in 2018. This move from Keighley will likely push it deeper into irrelevance and begs the question of who/what will distance themselves next. Do you think E3 is still relevant in the new decade? Let us know in the comments below.