The full Xbox Series X reveal will now take place in an Xbox Direct-esque digital event, Microsoft has confirmed. The decision has been made in the wake of E3 2020’s cancelation, with Xbox head Phil Spencer confirming that the upcoming console would be detailed in a digital “celebration.”
“E3 has always been an important moment for Team Xbox,” Phil Spencer tweeted. “Given this decision, this year we’ll celebrate the next generation of gaming with the Xbox community and all who love to play via an Xbox digital event. Details on timing and more in the coming weeks.”
E3 2020’s cancelation will cause the majority of game publishers and developers to rearrange their plans. Many had predicted that Microsoft would use the event to properly introduce the Xbox Series X, showcasing the upcoming console before its launch later this year. However, with E3 no longer set to go ahead, companies will have to think on other methods in which to bring their games and hardware to a wide audience.
ALSO: Online E3 2020 rumored to replace canceled show
Digital events like Microsoft’s planned show seem to be the way to go. Such events will require little to no travel on behalf of employees, and can be beamed directly to viewers similar to watching the E3 presentations live via YouTube or Twitch. While it removes the ability for the press and public to go and try these games and consoles for themselves before launch, it will at least get eyeballs on these products before they’re set to launch.
Considering that E3 is predominantly experienced by people watching the show at home, the cancelation of E3 may not be too disruptive from a viewer standpoint. However, the last-minute change of plans this will create for exhibitors and the ESA will undoubtedly have major ramifications, given that plans are now being forced to pivot only months away from the event’s planned date.
