E3 Creators Unveil Exclusive New Gaming Conference in Vegas

by

Summary

  • E3 organizer ESA announced a new gaming event: the Interactive Innovation Conference, or Iicon.
  • Iicon is an invite-only event that will take place in Las Vegas in late April 2026.
  • Iicon will be significantly different from modern E3s in that it will be an entirely industry-focused event.

As a dedicated gamer, I’m thrilled about the news that the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), famously known for organizing E3, is planning a fresh gaming event called the Interactive Innovation Conference! From what I’ve gathered so far, it looks like this new event will steer away from the familiar path of E3, especially compared to its latest iterations. Can’t wait to see more details unfold!

As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but reflect on the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) that took place in 2021. Unfortunately, it seems that the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) suffered significant financial losses during that event, leading them to cancel the following two E3 editions. In a statement made in December 2023, this Washington D.C.-based organization officially declared their decision to permanently discontinue the E3 trade show, leaving us all wondering what’s next for the gaming community’s most anticipated event.

14 months following the official shutdown of E3, ESA is now returning with the unveiling of a new gaming event – the Interactive Innovation Conference (Iicon), styled as “iicon”. As its name implies, Iicon has been designed to serve as a progressive conference where professionals from various industries can share knowledge and build connections. ESA describes it as a unique event that brings together pioneers, influential figures, and innovators, all with the aim of assisting them in utilizing the power of interactive entertainment.

Interactive Innovation Conference (iicon) Overview

  • Dates: April 27–30, 2026
  • Venue: Fontainebleau Resort, Las Vegas, NV
  • Confirmed keynote presenters: Amazon Games, Disney, Electronic Arts, Epic Games, Microsoft, Nintendo of America, Sony Interactive Entertainment, Square Enix, Take-Two Interactive, Ubisoft, Warner Bros. Games

The event known as “Icon” is scheduled from April 27 to 30, 2026. This high-profile occasion will be held at the Fontainebleau Resort, a luxurious five-star hotel in the heart of Las Vegas. Several established E3 partners have already pledged to participate by sending their representatives to deliver keynote speeches. The list of confirmed speakers for Icon 2026 includes executives from Nintendo of America, PlayStation, Ubisoft, Electronic Arts, Take-Two Interactive, and more. This event will be exclusive and by invitation only. Those interested can register on the official Icon website to receive updates from the organizers. It’s still unknown when the invitations for this event will become available, but it’s likely they will be paid tickets.

Iicon Will Be Different From Modern E3s

The unique, exclusive character of this event sets it apart from recent versions of E3, which primarily catered to consumers. However, its focus on innovation, networking, and exclusivity brings back memories of the original E3 concept. From 1995 to 2016, the Electronic Entertainment Expo was an industry-only affair; its public opening in 2017 marked a change from this tradition.

An exclusive gathering intended to unite forward-thinkers, influential minds, and pioneering creators spanning various sectors, with the aim of leveraging the potential of immersive entertainment experiences.

In terms of game announcements, E3’s role has largely been taken over by Summer Game Fest and individual publisher events, which are said to be the primary reason behind E3’s discontinuation. However, the Iicon announcement indicates that ESA may still believe in the importance of an industry-oriented gaming event.

Read More

2025-02-10 02:16