As key publishers and developers pull out of E3 2023, the future of the once-iconic gaming convention is in doubt. With uncertainty surrounding E3’s 2023 plans, the gaming industry and its community are questioning if the event will even go ahead.
This article explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on gaming events, Ubisoft’s withdrawal from E3, and the future of the convention.
E3’s Once Iconic Status
E3 was once the most significant gaming convention in the world. It was a platform for publishers and developers to reveal their most impressive games to the world.
However, since the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person gaming events have suffered immeasurably, and E3 may be the latest to fall if things continue the way they are at present.
Will E3 be Cancelled?
Sony, Nintendo, and Xbox have already announced that they won’t be attending E3 2023. They have opted for individual showcases and presentations, which immediately stripped three major presences from within the confines of E3’s show halls.
Ubisoft also withdrew from the event, which was a huge blow, considering the beleaguered developer had made actual promises that it would definitely attend.
Ubisoft’s Withdrawal and Future Plans
Ubisoft recently cancelled several projects and delayed Skull and Bones for an unprecedented sixth time in order to recoup some lost financials.
It isn’t the end of the marketing story for the company, though. There will be a Ubisoft Forward event later this year, on June 12th, as part of the Summer Games Fest.
Uncertainty Surrounding E3’s 2023 Plans
E3’s 2023 plans seem uncertain, with key publishers and developers pulling out of the event. There are gaping holes in the convention that, at this point, aren’t likely to be plugged.
E3’s scheduling, exhibitions, panels, and so on, were more or less confirmed by this point every year in the past. However, this isn’t the case for 2023’s convention.
The Future of E3
The vast majority of the gaming industry and its community are wondering if E3 will even go ahead in 2023. There’s no official indication of what’s going to happen to E3, but if it does get cancelled by the organizers, there’s a very real chance that it’ll never be seen again.
The uncertainty surrounding E3’s future highlights the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the gaming industry and the need for publishers and developers to adapt to virtual events.
