E3 Organizer ESA Announces New Event “iicon” Taking Place In April 2026

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Summary

  • ESA introduces new industry-focused event “icon” as alternative to E3 aimed at professionals.
  • “icon” scheduled for April 27-30, 2026 in Las Vegas, invite-only but boasting major companies.
  • Summer Game Fest taking place in June is now premier gaming show after E3 retirement in 2023.

The organization known as the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), which organizes E3, is planning another event, although it’s not intended to take the place of the grandeur of E3; instead, it’s primarily designed for those working within the gaming industry.

The ESA calls this new event Interactive Innovation Conference or “icon” for short.

E3 Organizers Have A New Event For “Changemakers” Set For April

This isn’t meant to be seen as a criticism of E3, but rather, the ESA describes it as a significant gathering for change agents from various sectors. The focus is primarily on individuals who work within the gaming industry, rather than on elaborate booth displays or shocking announcements.

It will be held at the Fontainebleau Resort in Las Vegas from April 27 to April 30, 2026.

Stanley Pierre-Louis, ESA president and CEO, announced that with ‘Icon’, they aim to foster an environment where pioneers from various sectors can unite, interact, and brainstorm innovative ideas in the realm of interactive entertainment,” (via Game Developer).

The new event will allow audience members, though via an invite-only basis.

Notable gaming companies like Sony Interactive Entertainment, Nintendo, Microsoft, Amazon Games, Disney, Electronic Arts, Epic Games, Square Enix, Ubisoft, Warner Bros., and Take-Two Interactive have confirmed their attendance.

It seems unlikely for this to evolve into something similar to E3, considering that game publishers have ceased participating in the event due to various reasons.

Instead, the Summer Game Fest has become the primary video game exhibition in June. Recently, the organizers unveiled their plans to host a business-oriented event this year, which will bring together influential figures from gaming, entertainment, and more, for engaging conversations across various industries on one platform.

Originating in 1995, E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo) quickly emerged as a significant platform for unveiling major video games. However, an attempt by the ESA to launch a new show in 2023 was met with all major players withdrawing their participation. In December 2023, the ESA officially declared that E3 would no longer continue, with no future events scheduled.

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2025-02-06 23:08