E3 returns this year as a digital-only event. Taking place June 12-15, the entire show will be available online as a free “reimagined” event. The Entertainment Software Association revealed the news yesterday, announcing that companies including Nintendo, Xbox, Ubisoft, Capcom, Take-Two Interactive would be taking part in the show.
A key absentee from that list is Sony, which dropped out of E3 before the pandemic in 2019 and had confirmed their absence in 2020 prior to the event's cancellation. So far, Sony has yet to indicate any form of return in future. They’re not alone, however, asSega, Bandai Namco, Square Enix, and Activision Blizzard also have yet to confirm any form of attendance. Having long avoided the show, EA, too, won't be taking part in the online event.
WELCOME BACK! It’s been hard waiting quietly as we got ready for today, but we are thrilled to officially announce our plans for June 12th-15th!
— E3 (@E3) April 6, 2021
Sign up for updates below & get hyped for the return of the most exciting show in video gaming: #E32021https://t.co/QOa74rVCXB
Typically hosted in Los Angeles each year, the enormous event was cancelled last year due to health and safety concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the situation still rendering in-person events a concern, the ESA has made the decision to shift the event online, with the physical show due to return in 2022.
Beyond the show being free to attend (in whatever form that takes), details have been kept quiet so far. The ESA Announced that the event will feature developers “showcasing their latest news and games directly to fans around the world.” It’s likely that the show will feature plenty of new trailers, and fans will be eager for game reveals from the major publishing and developing studios across the globe as well.
E3 2021 will take place Jun 12-15. We’ll update you as soon as we know more about how fans will be able to attend the event. You can sign up to receive updates about the show on the E3 website.
