Confirmed: Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo All Skipping E3
E3, the iconic video game industry convention, was set to make a triumphant return to the Los Angeles Convention Center in 2023, four years after the pandemic forced the event to go digital. However, the gaming world is buzzing with news that three of the biggest players in the industry – Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo – have all decided to skip the event.
Xbox Has Other Plans
Xbox, which has always been a major presence at E3, will not have a booth on the show floor. Instead, the company is planning a standalone showcase that will take place in conjunction with E3. Xbox CEO Phil Spencer told iGV that they are working on a “standalone showcase” that will be more convenient for consumers and the press. While Xbox publicly supports the E3 2023 event and the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), they will not have a physical presence at the convention center this year.
Nintendo Always Had A Booth, Until Now
Nintendo has always had a booth at E3, even after the company started using the Nintendo Direct format to announce new games. However, sources have confirmed that Nintendo will not be attending E3 2023. The company has found success with its Nintendo Direct presentations, which have become a major event in the gaming world. With the release of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom just a month before E3, Nintendo may want to focus on its own marketing efforts.
Sony’s Been Skipping E3 For Almost Five Years
Sony has been absent from E3 since 2019, and it seems they are not ready to return in 2023. The company has a history of hosting its own events, including the PlayStation Experience and the State of Play, both of which have been successful at generating excitement for new PlayStation games.
A Slow Death for E3?
The absence of Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo is a significant blow to E3, which has already been struggling to maintain its relevance in a changing industry. In recent years, gaming companies have begun to embrace direct-to-consumer presentations and digital showcases, offering them more control over their message and their timelines.
The rise of events like Summer Game Fest and The Game Awards, both hosted by Geoff Keighley, has also contributed to E3’s decline. These events offer a more focused and streamlined experience for fans, with fewer commercials and sponsorships. The ESA has struggled to keep up with the changes in the gaming industry, and the absence of the three gaming giants highlights the challenges the organization faces. The future of E3 is uncertain, and it remains to be seen whether the convention can recover from this latest setback.
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