One of the biggest surprises in quite a while was the announcement that Sony would not be taking part of next year’s E3 event. Some question if this is the beginning of the end for the long-running video game conference, which held its first event back in 1995. But despite Sony’s departure, both Nintendo and Microsoft are committed to E3 following Sony’s announcement.
Microsoft were the most direct in making sure people knew they wouldn’t be going anywhere. Xbox’s social media posted this, for example:
We can’t wait to see you all at @E3 2019 #XboxAtE3 #Xbox
— Xbox (@Xbox) 15 November 2018
Phil Spencer, head of Xbox also confirmed on Twitter that Microsoft and the Xbox would continue to have a presence at E3:
A lot to share with fans at E3 2019. Always a high point of the year to witness the industry’s creativity and the energy of the community. https://t.co/Uug2TUpxwI
— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) 15 November 2018
While Nintendo didn’t outright confirm its involvement, Nintendo’s Reggie Fils-Aime had nothing but positive comments about the conference in a recent E3 statement via the ESA.
“E3 is an outstanding opportunity for us to share new games and experiences with fans and business partners from across the globe,” Fils-Aime was quoted as saying. “Every year, we discuss what will be the best way for us to take advantage of the next E3 show in order to bring smiles to people’s faces.”
Sony’s announcement yesterday had to have shocked many within the video game industry. It’s not relatively uncommon for big developers to skip out on the event itself — EA, for example, holds an event just outside of the Los Angeles Convention Center. And while Nintendo doesn’t hold a press conference like Microsoft and (until recently) Sony, they always set up a giant booth and have a large presence during the show, with Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey highlighted.
Sony saying that they wouldn’t be holding anything in Los Angeles during the show is certainly something else, and does raise the question of what they might do next, especially with recent PlayStation 5 rumors abound. What do you think of the recent E3 hubbub? Let us know in the comments below!
