According to the ESA, the trade association that owns E3 Expo, more than 68,000 people convened at the Los Angeles Convention Center June 13-15 to attend E3, the world’s largest and most anticipated video game event. Billions more watched E3 2017 online as nearly 300 exhibitors showcased thousands of new products, including more than 150 never-before-seen products and titles.
The show also featured a record 126 exhibitors with virtual, augmented, and mixed reality products and will be remembered for its fan-focused approach. For the first time, E3 welcomed 15,000 video game fans and the new E3 Coliseum gave those fans direct access to leading figures in video games and entertainment, such as Director of Kojima Productions Hideo Kojima, 343 Industries Executive Producer Kiki Wolfkill, founder of Double Fine Productions Tim Schafer, actor Jack Black, television writer and producer Gennifer Hutchison, and astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson. E3 Coliseum quickly became a favorite fan spot, taking attendees and millions of online viewers around the world behind the scenes of E3 2017’s biggest announcements.
“You play with these people all the time but to see how big the gamer community really is. It’s kind of mind-blowing,” said gamer Emily McIntosh of Nebraska, who was amazed by E3 2017.
With more than 15 million E3-related posts across platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, the show dominated conversation on social media.
Also at the show, Ringling College of Art and Design’s Phonetica was selected as the winner of the 2017 E3 College Game Competition. “I am honored to have been able to showcase my project on such a public stage and am humbled by its warm reception,” the game’s creator and recent graduate Trent Sivek said.
