iicon is Coming to Replace E3

After E3 ends in 2023, the organizer Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has moved to organize a new event. This new event, called iicon, is short for “Interactive Innovation Conference” and aims to bring together business leaders from the gaming world. However, unlike E3, iicon will not be a public event and will appeal more to corporate executives and investors.

iicon’s Purpose and Attendees

ESA describes iicon as “a platform that brings together leaders in the gaming, technology, and entertainment industries.” The event will feature visionary talks, workshops, and high-level networking opportunities. Attendees will include industry giants such as Amazon Games, Disney, Electronic Arts, Microsoft, Sony, Ubisoft, and Nintendo.

ESA President Doug Bowser said, “iicon aims to open new avenues for culture, business and human connection by leveraging the power of the interactive entertainment industry.” This statement indicates that the event will be a platform for discussing industry trends and business opportunities rather than being focused on entertainment. E3 has long been known as an event where game developers and hardware manufacturers introduce their new products. However, iicon will be a business conference that appeals more to industry executives. The event will focus on innovations, investment opportunities and collaborations between companies in the gaming sector.

This new format may not appeal to many gamers. ESA’s goal is to encourage the exchange of ideas among leaders to shape the future of the gaming industry. However, unlike E3, iicon will not offer a consumer-oriented experience. iicon will be held in Las Vegas in April 2026. However, the event is expected to compete in the same field as similar business-focused conferences such as DICE. This move by ESA is interpreted as an effort to maintain its place in the gaming sector.

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