In recent weeks surrounding this year’s Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), the show has taken a downfall for what might be upsetting for contemplating attendees. Firstly being the cancellation of the in-person show: while originally scheduling to host the event in Los Angeles this June, the organizers decided to pull admission to a physical show once again.

However, the event is taking the form of an online event in replacement of the convention show at the beginning of the summer. While information is still awaiting to be shared by the Electronic Software Association (ESA), claims surfaced suggesting that the group will be offering premium passes to pay for online. But the organization in a later statement told that to not be the case.

Now through a press release from the ESA, and transcribed by gamesindustry.biz, it is official: E3 is arriving this June via a virtual show. Even more, the group presses that Capcom, Koch Media, Konami, Microsoft, Nintendo, Take-Two Interactive, Ubisoft, and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment will be partnered for 2021’s event.

For more than two decades, E3 has been the premier venue to showcase the best that the video game industry has to offer, while uniting the world through games. We are evolving this year’s E3 into a more inclusive event, but will still look to excite the fans with major reveals and insider opportunities that make this event the indispensable center stage for video games.

Stanley Pierre-Louise, Electronic Software Association CEO

Noted, there is a handful of publishers that will not be present in this year’s show: Activision Blizzard, Bandai Namco, Electronic Arts, Sega, and Sony Interactive Entertainment. Most surprising is that both Microsoft & Ubisoft is present for 2021’s event as the two were the ones to pioneer virtual shows just almost a year ago after the cancelling of 2020’s E3.

Even if E3 was to commence in-person this year, Microsoft would not be attending the show regardless. In a previous statement from the firm last year, the Xbox company presses that video game-oriented announcements and tech-driven features will be held online until July 2021. You can read the full report by heading here.

Are you excited to see what E3 has to offer this year?

E3 2021 is to take place on June 12, 2021 to June 15, 2021.

Source: gamesindustry.biz