The Entertainment Software Association (ESA), tthe organization previously responsible for E3, has announced a new event. The event, called iicon (Interactive Innovation Conference), aims to bring industry leaders together. It takes place from April 27 to April 30, 2026, at the Fontainebleau Resort in Las Vegas. The event brings together leaders from gaming, entertainment, business, and technology. They will explore the evolving role of interactive entertainment.
A New Approach to Industry Events
Unlike E3, which focused on game announcements and public showcases, the iicon conference is a summit for industry changemakers. The ESA is positioning it as a space for visionaries across multiple sectors to collaborate, innovate, and discuss the growing influence of video game technology beyond traditional gaming.
In a press release announcing the new event, ESA President & CEO Stanley Pierre-Louis emphasized the event’s purpose:
“For decades, video games have been at the forefront of technological and cultural innovation. With iicon, we are creating a space for visionaries across industries to come together, connect, and reimagine what’s possible through interactive entertainment.”
Major Companies Confirmed for iicon
A number of major gaming and entertainment companies have already confirmed their participation, including:
- Microsoft
- Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Nintendo of America
- Electronic Arts
- Ubisoft
- Square Enix
- Warner Bros. Games
- Epic Games
- Amazon Games
- Disney
- Take-Two Interactive
The event will include keynotes, discussions, and networking opportunities featuring executives from gaming, film, television, sports, education, finance, and healthcare.
Industry Leaders Show Support for iicon
Executives from some of the biggest companies in gaming have expressed strong support for iicon, viewing it as a key opportunity to drive innovation and collaboration across industries.
Amazon Games and Square Enix Highlight Gaming’s Cultural Influence
Christoph Hartmann, Vice President, Amazon Games:
“The games industry is constantly evolving, and the intersection with other disciplines is more pronounced than ever before. iicon will bring together some of the brightest minds from the games industry to navigate present challenges and harness the opportunities ahead. Amazon Games is proud to contribute to this new endeavor.”
John Heinecke, Chief Publishing Officer, Square Enix Americas:
“Video games have been a major contributor to our global culture by blending entertainment, creating communities, and pushing new technologies. iicon will be an incredible forum where business leaders and innovators can join forces to celebrate our industry’s achievements and build the future of entertainment together.”
Take-Two and Ubisoft See iicon as a Driving Force for Innovation
Strauss Zelnick, Chairman and CEO, Take-Two Interactive:
“iicon represents the ongoing evolution of the interactive entertainment industry and its irrefutable ascendance as the most beloved art form and cultural influence in the world today. We look forward to participating in this event and convening with a broad array of stakeholders to further what we believe to be one of the strongest periods in our industry’s history.”
Laurent Detoc, Chief Direct-to-Player Officer, Ubisoft:
“Video games push the boundaries of technology and creativity, extending far beyond entertainment. We look forward to iicon bringing together visionary leaders from the industry and beyond to shape the future impact of games.”
Xbox Emphasizes Collaboration and Future Growth
Sarah Bond, President, Xbox:
“At Xbox, our mission is to bring the joy of gaming to players anywhere they want, while creating opportunities for the amazing creators behind them. We appreciate the ESA establishing iicon as a platform to deepen connections among executives and thought leaders from within gaming, and from a wide range of partner industries. Together, we will collaborate, invent, and create – and together we will all grow.”
Who Can Attend iicon?
Unlike E3, iicon will be an invite-only event, catering to industry professionals and executives. More details about the iicon conference, including speaker lineups and session topics, are expected to be revealed in the coming months.
What do you think about ESA’s new event? Will it replace E3’s presence in the industry? Let me know in the comments!
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