The ESA has officially announced the closure of the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), marking the end of an era. Stanley Pierre-Louis, CEO of ESA, acknowledges over two decades of E3’s significance as a central showcase for the U.S. and global video game industry. While it always felt like the Expo was extremely successful, there have been some underlying issues that led to its end.

The main factors that contributed to E3’s collapse include the rise of new competitors, withdrawals of key partners, evolving audience habits, and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. As we say goodbye to one of the most iconic events in gaming history, we are taking a trip down memory lane of 7 of the most iconic moments to occur during E3.

Here are the 7 most iconic moments to occur during E3 over the years

1. Keanu Presents Cyberpunk 2077 (2019)

During the E3 2019 showcase, an unexpected celebrity graced the stage, and it was none other than Keanu Reeves. Reeves took the stage after the trailer for Cyberpunk 2077 was showcased at E3 2019. The actor, renowned for his roles in cinematic gems such as The Matrix and John Wick, took center stage to unveil the highly anticipated Cyberpunk 2077. His presence alone would have sufficed, but he went a step further, delivering the now-iconic line, “You’re breathtaking!” This impromptu interaction not only elevated the atmosphere but also solidified Keanu’s status as a gaming icon.

Trending

Bronny in Deep Waters as $800,000 Suffering Forces LeBron James’ Son to End College Career With Major Declining Numbers

April 27, 2024 01:45 PM EDT

Big Day in Wilson Family as Ciara & Russell Wilson Celebrate Daughter Sienna’s Birthday

April 29, 2024 02:44 AM EDT

Controversial Boxing Insider Confirms Floyd Mayweather Fans’ Worst Fear Amidst Dubai Debacle

April 29, 2024 09:21 PM EDT

“Make Em Pay”: Caleb Williams Lights a Fire Under Brendan Rice to Force Antonio Brown’s Reincarnation for Chargers

April 28, 2024 04:39 AM EDT

“Got My Dawg Back”: Travis Hunter Took Over Bodyguard Duties for Shilo Sanders During His Playful Fight With Ryan Garcia

April 28, 2024 09:31 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

2. Miyamoto Makes Davide Soliani Cry (2017)

The year 2017 stands out as the momentous collaboration between Nintendo and Ubisoft resulted in Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle. A defining instance unfolded on the stage, where Shigeru Miyamoto, the venerated architect of the Mario universe, shared the limelight with Davide Soliani from Ubisoft. Soliani was really happy and moved when was introduced by his childhood hero, finally fulfilling a dream he had for a long time. Soliani teared up when Miyamoto acknowledged his work on the latest Mario + Rabbids game. This special moment showed how much developers respect and love what they do, and it strengthened the bond between Nintendo and Ubisoft.

3. God of War Gameplay Trailer Reaction (2016)

E3 2016 witnessed a paradigm shift as the reimagined Kratos was finally unveiled in the gameplay trailer of God of War. The reaction from the gaming community upon seeing Kratos still sends thrills across gaming fans. The meticulously crafted visuals, coupled with the emotional depth of Kratos, left fans in a state of reverent awe. This moment, etched in E3 history, set the stage for the critical and commercial success that awaited this transformative iteration of the iconic franchise.

4. Kojima’s Return with Death Stranding (2016)

The year 2016 marked the triumphant return of Hideo Kojima to the E3 stage, unveiling the highly anticipated Death Stranding. During the presentation, he started with a simple “Hello everyone, I’m Back” and the crowd was set in an uproar of happiness. Just seeing how excited fans got upon seeing Kojima make an entrance truly shows how much they appreciate the Metal Gear Solid creator.

5. Uncharted 4 Nathan Drake Not Moving (2015)

In the realm of unintended hilarity, E3 2015 provided an unforgettable moment during the Uncharted 4 presentation. A technical hiccup briefly suspended the daring adventurer, Nathan Drake, mid-air, not moving. This was a huge fail moment as fans didn’t get to see the presentation. The glitch led fans into a burst of laughter and Naughty Dog also added a joke achievement if players stood at the spawn point for 30 seconds or more.

6. Reggie Fils-Aime’s Introduction (2004)

E3 2004 witnessed the charismatic entry of Reggie Fils-Aime, the then-President and COO of Nintendo of America. His iconic introduction, featuring the resounding declaration, “My name is Reggie. I’m about kickin’ ass, I’m about takin’ names, and we’re about makin’ games,” resonated deeply with the gaming community. This spirited proclamation not only set the tone for Nintendo’s dominance during that era but also endeared Reggie to gamers worldwide, marking the commencement of his influential tenure.

“E3 Is Dead, and I Killed It” – Popular Gaming Journalist Hints at Massive Event Update From PlayStation, Xbox, Bethesda, and More

7. Metal Gear Solid 2 Reveal (2000)

2000 had fans witness Hideo Kojima’s grand revelation of Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty. This game was groundbreaking considering the technology of the time. Back then, the trailer far preceded everyone’s expectations. The Metal Gear Solid series is what cemented Kojima’s name into gaming history and this presentation was one of the main reasons it happened. After the trailer, many fans were asked about what they thought about the game. Most reactions were of fans being mind-blown by what Kojima was able to achieve.

Gamescom 2023 Head Reveals What Made The Event Survive In An Era Where E3 Failed To Expand

Although E3 has put down the mantle, the moments that fans have experienced during its run, will be cherished forever. E3 had become one of the biggest events in gaming history, but with it gone now, there is a place for newer expos. Gaming is currently in its golden era with it just picking up in the last 10 years to where it is now. Being one of the biggest branches of the entertainment industry, it will only grow with time.

With E3 saying goodbye to fans, which year of E3 had you most excited? Let us know in the comments below.

Watch this story: Tekken 8 Players Receive Warning Against Accessing the Cracked Version