The Electronic Entertainment Expo shortly known as E3 has long been the most important press event in the video game industry, or at least it was until the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020. There hasn’t been a physical E3 event in three years, and there won’t be one in 2022 either. As a result, some people are wondering if the incident will ever happen again.

However, as of today, that rumor seems to be put to rest, as it has been confirmed that E3 will return in 2023 via Thurrott.com. The trade show will return in 2023 as both a digital and in-person event, according to a Washington Post‘s interview with Entertainment Software Association (ESA, the parent company of E3) President and CEO Stan Pierre-Louis.

“As much as we love these digital events, and as much as they reach people and we want that global reach,” says Pierre-Louis, “we also know that there’s a really strong desire for people to connect in person, see each other, and talk about what makes games great,” he added.

While events like the upcoming Summer Game Fest and the Xbox & Bethesda Game Showcase are doing a great job of filling the E3 gap, many will undoubtedly welcome the expo’s return.