E3 2018

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Electronic Entertainment Expo 2018 (E3 2018) ran from June 12–14 at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, California. The event, organized by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), showcased new video games and upcoming releases from developers and publishers.

Attendance reached 69,200, the largest number at E3 since 2005. No new game hardware was announced, as the industry was still in the eighth generation of consoles; the focus was on games releasing in 2018 and beyond. This was the final E3 in which Sony Interactive Entertainment participated.

To manage crowds, E3 2018 opened to the public on two days, with limited hours for industry-only access before the public could enter certain areas. Public passes cost $249, with 1,000 “Gamer Passes” sold for $149. Business passes were also available. Public access passes went on sale February 12, 2018.

EA ran its own event, EA Play 2018, near the convention center from June 9–11. Its press conference highlighted titles like Battlefield V, FIFA 19, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, and Anthem, and announced expansions and a premium Origin service with cloud gaming plans.

Major conferences took place before and during E3, including Microsoft (June 10), Bethesda (June 10), Square Enix (June 11), Ubisoft (June 11), PC Gaming Show (June 11), Sony (June 11), and Nintendo (via a pre-recorded Direct on June 12). Nintendo also hosted live tournaments for Splatoon 2 and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

Nintendo presented a broad lineup of Switch games and announced new titles such as Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Sony’s conference emphasized first-party titles like Death Stranding, Ghost of Tsushima, Spider-Man, and The Last of Us Part II, continuing its “E3 Experience” with some previews shown in theaters. This was the last E3 appearance for Sony.

E3 Coliseum returned as a side event, featuring developer talks, interviews, and special tributes. Highlights included discussions around Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 and a Grim Fandango 20th anniversary celebration with Tim Schafer, Peter McConnell, and Jack Black.

Esports also played a big role with ESL Arena in the South Hall, a new 7,500-square-foot space hosting live competitions with over 200 seats. The event helped showcase competitive gaming to attendees.

Numerous publishers and developers attended, including big names across many studios and genres. In addition to the shows, there were many side events, world premieres, and media briefings throughout the week.

Overall, E3 2018 was a major, crowded, and high-profile showcase for new games and upcoming projects. It marked the last time Sony participated in E3, and the expo would eventually end a few years later.