PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Reportedly Skipping E3 2023

In March, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), announced that E3 2023 would return to Los Angeles as an in-person event following cancellation of the 2022 edition. In September, ESA announced that E3 2023 would take place between Tuesday, June 13 and Friday, June 16. 

Now, IGN reports it has learned that PlayStation, Xbox, and Sony will be skipping E3 2023, a major blow to what was supposed to be E3’s big comeback. According to the publication, these companies will also not have an presence at E3 2023 in Los Angeles Convention Center. Convention Center is where large, flashy booths are set up for game demos and information. 

Xbox still plans to host its annual summer event in Los Angeles. This is usually timed by Xbox to match E3 fans and games media in Los Angeles. IGN reports that Xbox’s overall plans for its summer gaming showcase are unconfirmed as a result of having to tighten the comany’s financials after recent Microsoft-wide layoffs that hit Halo Infinite developer 343 Industries hard. 

PlayStation has not participated in E3 since 2019, when it dropped out of the show. This was reportedly due to disputes with the ESA. Nintendo is a huge supporter of E3, usually livestreaming Nintendo Directs alongside large attendance on the floor.

Video Games Chronicle reports that Nintendo is skipping its first in-person E3 show in four years because the company feels it doesn’t have enough major releases to showcase to justify its typical E3 presence. VGC Also, it notes that the company’s sources claimed that E3 negotiations and Xbox discussions are ongoing. It may also have a media and business presence that is similar to that of last year’s Gamescom. 

ReedPop is the Star Wars Celebration organizer who’s organizing E3 2023. IGN The following statement is required: 

ReedPop is proud to be a part of this important event in the history of video games. ReedPop was awarded the E3 contract six months ago. We have worked hard with ESA members to develop a new E3 to meet their needs and goals. It has been a slow process because of the many people involved. We appreciate the fact that it took so long, but we also recognize the need to make sure we answered all questions while we finalize the answers. 

The show will bring together all aspects of the gaming industry. We are still working hard to make it happen. We think we have created an event format that meets the needs of the gaming industry as well as its fans. And, we are committed to growing and developing it over the next years. We didn’t give a single exhibitor a contract until this month, after spending much of 2022 reworking E3 2023. This was based on feedback from the attendees. Many of the largest companies in the sector have expressed interest, as well as verbal commitments. We are excited to reveal the exhibitor lineup when it is ready. This will ensure that the entire trip to Los Angeles will prove to be worthwhile for both the consumer and the industry.

[Source: IGN, Video Games Chronicle]

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