Despite a canceled show in 2020 and plans to go digital this year, experts say physical conventions like E3 still have value but need some changes.

The Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) was once the biggest annual event in gaming. Now, however, as the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) plans for E3’s future amid the COVID-19 pandemic, some are questioning whether the show should go on or call it a day for good. Experts say it should go on, but there are some caveats.

"The appeal of these events is that the entire industry is in one place," Patrick Shanley, the games editorial director at Venn, told Lifewire over the phone. "I still think that's valuable. If they can still offer that, then I'd love to see them continue."

While E3 was once the biggest gaming event of the year, it’s changed quite a bit. Publishers like Sony, Nintendo and Electronic Arts (EA) used to crowd the E3 show floor, drawing thousands of press members—and later, fans—to their booths. Now, they’ve opted for more direct methods, hosting their own livestreams and digital events while eliminating air travel and paying thousands of dollars for booth space at the Los Angeles Convention Center.