The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) revealed that the E3 2023 will take place from June 13 to June 15 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Although ReedPop has stated that several AAA companies, indie darlings, tech, and hardware firms have confirmed participation in E3 2023, some major players have already announced that they are skipping the event.
Ubisoft, Sega, and Tencent to Skip E3 2023
In a statement, Ubisoft announced that they will not be participating in E3 as exhibitors but instead they will hold their own event. Meanwhile, both Sega and Tencent declared that they will not be attending this year’s event. Their absence marks yet another year where some of gaming’s biggest names are missing from E3.
Nintendo, Xbox, and PlayStation Confirmed Their Absence from E3 2023
Nintendo was one of the first companies to confirm their absence from this year’s show floor. Xbox followed suit by announcing that they would also skip it. Then Sony stated that not only they would skip the physical event but also there would not be a digital showcase either.
Uncertain Future of E3 2023
The ESA had already been struggling with communication issues earlier this year causing concerns about the event’s readiness for its return to an in-person format. The pandemic had already forced the cancellation of E3 in 2020 and a virtual convention was held in 2021. With most major studios publicly departing and the rest unclear about attending, the future of E3 is uncertain.
Geoff Keighley’s Summer Game Fest has become a replacement for E3 but it does not feel like the old E3. Additionally, Devolver Digital is opting out of hosting its usual “satellite events” around the time of the expo but will still have a digital showcase in June. While this could be seen as the natural progression of the industry, the ESA has failed to negotiate with key players in a way that kept them around.
E3 2023: Business and Consumer Visitors
The entertainment trade event will have a different format than usual. ReedPop stated that the first two days of E3 will be reserved for business, while on day three, both business and consumer visitors are welcome. The last day of the event will be dedicated to consumers. This format could help attendees avoid lines and stay focused on what they want to see.
In conclusion, numerous publishers including Ubisoft, Sega, and Tencent backing out of E3 2023 marks a significant change in the gaming industry’s approach to this event. With key players confirming their absence from this year’s physical event along with previous communication issues, it is uncertain whether or not E3 2023 will take place at all. The entertainment trade show’s uncertain status opens doors for streaming platforms like Geoff Keighley’s Summer Game Fest and Devolver Digital’s digital showcase to become the next industry-standard events.
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