The Electronic Entertainment Expo, E3, already feels like a thing in the past. The last E3 was held virtually in 2021. The last in-person E3 was pre-pandemic in 2019. To many, it felt that in-person gaming events are going the way of the dinosaur. Since then, PAX, Summer Game Fest, the Game Awards, Gamescom and more have continued to thrive–or at least maintain their momentum. After a massive Opening Night Live at Gamescom 2025, it made me ask myself, is Gamescom the new E3?
“It turns out that E3 didn’t die, it just moved right here to Germany.”- Geoff Keighley
It was as if Mr. Keighley read my mind. He rattled off numbers: that approximately 5,000 fans were seated at Opening Night Live, that over 300,000 people will have attended Gamescom, and the event will host over 1,500 exhibitors. Gamescom is not a new event by any stretch, starting back in 2009. It has steadily grown to be one of the largest gaming trade shows in the world, and this two-hour Opening Night Live signaled their new heights.
Opening Night Live saw just under two million views within 24 hours, and it featured over 50 trailers, announcements, or updates, ranging from gaming-related shows like Season 2 of Fallout to story trailers of highly anticipated juggernauts like Silent Hill f, Resident Evil 9, Ninja Gaiden 4, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7.
Gamescom also was the first to feature Xbox’s new handheld, the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X right on the show floor. It was live streamed but also held in-person, allowing maximum exposure to new hardware. In addition to Xbox, Nintendo is in attendance, presenting several games to demo, such as Hollow Knight: Silksong, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Pokémon Z-A: Legends, and Eldin Ring: Tarnished Edition. These are other major titles from various publishers will be present on the Gamescom floor, open to both the public and media–which, as you may know, was a new approach for E3 before they closed their doors. Regardless, it definitely seems to be a blend of both a platform for news and announcements and demos.
Although Geoff’s comment about moving E3 to Gamescom was done lightheartedly and not to be taken literally, I do feel like the spirit of gaming has shifted to other events like Gamescom instead of vanishing all together, and I think that is the more important point. E3 didn’t die because no one cared about trade shows or video games anymore, and it certainly didn’t die off because it was an in-person event. As the industry evolved, we have pioneers like Geoff Keighley to spearhead other events to celebrate all things gaming. Even smaller events that are tailored to indies are giving events a fresh coat of paint. For example, the Day of the Devs and Wholesome Games are rolled together in a multi-day event many know as Summer Game Fest. This variety and modular approach give people the option to tune in and discover something new.
It would seem that instead of one major event primarily geared toward press, it makes more sense nowadays to have several events open to both media and fans alike. Streaming of the events are integral, and in-person participation is only part of the equation. I’m glad that the “spirit” of E3 didn’t vanish, as it proves we all still have that thirst to be hands-on as a community. In fact, this is something unique to video games versus cinema or written media. So, while I wouldn’t say Gamescom is the new E3, but I would agree that the magic didn’t give way to apathy. The passion for video game shows are alive and well, thriving in their own way. I sure hope to visit Gamescom in the future on behalf of Boss Rush Network!
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Boss Rush Podcast – A Podcast about Video Games
The Boss Rush Podcast – A Podcast about Video Games – is the flagship show of the Boss Rush Network and Boss Rush Media. Each week, hosts Corey Dirrig and LeRon Dawkins are joined by friends, fellow creators, indie developers, and industry veterans to discuss the latest in the world of video games, including news, rumors, new releases, and what they’ve been playing. They also answer listener questions, debate important industry topics and Boss Rush Banter discussion points, and feature a rotating weekly segment. New episodes post every Monday.
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Featured Image Source: Gamescom
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