Surprising to believe it has been almost a year now, but at the time it happened to be a first in history for the video game industry: the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) was cancelled. The group that organizes the annual show, Electronic Software Association (ESA), made the tough decision after plans for an in-person show could not be held as growing cases for COVID-19 claimed the United States.
Although there were hopes for a potential virtual show to take place, the project never manifested more than just an idea. However, the ESA did later disclose that it would be planning to introduce a “reimagined” E3 the following year in June 2021. But it was not indicated if the show when held the following year if it will return to the traditional, in-person format or to a digital-based showcase that sprouted from the epidemic.
In a new report done by Video Game Chronicles, it is told that the yearly event would be taking place through the means of a digital presentation. Howbeit, the publication continues to issue that ESA is still looking for publisher backing to fuel this year’s show.
We can confirm that we are transforming the E3 experience for 2021 and will soon share exact details on how we’re bringing the global video game community together. We are having great conversations with publishers, developers and companies across the board, and we look forward to sharing details about their involvement soon.
The article continues to elaborate that a virtual show is the main focus for the ESA even though a physical event is not entirely out of the picture. For the premise of an online showcase, E3 2021 is said to feature livestreams weeks in advanced of the namely show and even host remote demos for participants to sample alike at a real event.
Noted, contributor Geoff Keighley who periodically held the titular E3 Coliseum would not be making a return. As per a private message conversation with Keighley himself, he confirms to be missing the 2021 show as well. Keighley in 2020 announced his first year in two decades to miss attending E3. You can read the initial report by heading here.
Are you hopeful to see E3 materialize for 2021?
E3 2021 is said to take place from June 15 – June 17.
Source: Video Game Chronicles