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E3 gaming show closes after drawing crowds of more than 69,000

Call Of Duty, Fifa 19 and Fortnite were all among the gaming giants on display.
Call Of Duty, Fifa 19 and Fortnite were all among the gaming giants on display. Call Of Duty, Fifa 19 and Fortnite were all among the gaming giants on display.

Leading video games trade show E3 has closed its doors after attracting a crowd of more than 69,000 people.

The three-day showcase included first looks at the next game in the Bafta award-winning Last Of Us series, as well as Shadow Of The Tomb Raider and Fifa 19.

Popular Battle royale game Fortnite was also a prominent presence at the event – announcing its availability on the Nintendo Switch, with the game then downloaded more than two million times in its first 24 hours.

“E3 2018 was an enormous success, amplified by the thousands of gamers in attendance and millions more around the world who watched online,” Michael D Gallagher, president of E3 organiser Entertainment Software Association (ESA), said.

(Martyn Landi/PA)
(Martyn Landi/PA) The Xbox press event at E3 (Martyn Landi/PA)

“E3 2018 reinforced the cultural prominence of video games for a global audience. Congratulations to our innovative exhibitors, members, and partners and to the millions of gamers who celebrated a spectacular E3 with us.”

During its pre-show press conference, Xbox boss Phil Spencer hailed the coming 12 months as the company’s “biggest year”, as it unveiled more than 50 new games.

Fortnite maker Epic Games hailed its own appearance at the show as a key way to connect with its rapidly growing fan base.

“We had an amazing time celebrating Fortnite with our players and partners this year at E3,” the company said.

“Bringing players together is an important part of what we do with Fortnite, and E3 is one of the best venues to connect face-to-face with fans, friends, and the industry.”

The three-day event also saw the latest game in the Call Of Duty series, Black Ops 4, as well as a remake of cult zombie game Resident Evil 2, which appeared at Sony’s live event.

However the Japanese firm came under fire after blocking cross-play capabilities for Fortnite between the PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch, despite other platforms allowing the same system.