E3 is 
usually the video game industry’s big party of the year — a chance to celebrate its strengths and showcase the titles it expects to drive sales forward for the rest of the year.
But as the game makers gather for this year’s event, a cloud hangs over the soiree. Retail sales are down 27 percent compared to this time in 2011. Mobile devices are stealing the spotlight from traditional consoles. And naysayers are openly questioning the long-term viability of the console industry.
The 
industry has changed immensely since E3 debuted in the 90s, but critics who say that E3 has lost all relevance are missing the point, says Gamasutra editor-at-large Chris Morris.
There are a lot of people — and media outlets — complaining about E3 these days.
That’s typical around this time each year. The stress of finalizing a schedule and the dread that comes as you realize you’re about to go the better part of a week running at 100mph with little (to no) rest is daunting. But this year, the complaints seem more pointed, with lots of people opening wondering if the show has outlived its usefulness. With all due respect, that’s ridiculous.
Five years ago, the relationship between the videogame world 
and major studios was pretty straightforward. Hollywood made movies — and game companies licensed those films to create games.
The “Tomb Raider” and “Resident Evil” games reversed that order, as games were transformed into film franchises. But no matter which came first, gamemakers were generally in the less powerful position.
That’s quickly changing as entertainment tastes evolve — and game companies are sending the word to studios that it’s time to rethink the relationship.
Chris Morris: Journalist 