Similar to Nintendo, Microsoft will not have a physical presence at the troubled LA games conference. Instead, they will co-stream their Xbox Games showcase at E3.
E3, the renowned gaming conference, was set to return to its first in-person show since the pandemic this year. However, it has suffered another setback as Microsoft announced that it would not have a physical presence on the show floor, following Nintendo’s decision to pull out two weeks earlier.
Xbox shared in a statement to IGN that it would instead co-stream its Xbox Games Showcase on June 11 at E3, assuring fans that more details would follow soon. Although Microsoft will not physically attend the event, Xbox CEO Phil Spencer assured the public that E3 remains an essential part of their vision, stating in an earlier interview with IGN that they would continue working with the E3 organizers to ensure its success.
Sources with insider knowledge told IGN that many game publishers are unsure about who will participate in the annual Los Angeles conference. For now, Ubisoft is the only major developer to confirm their attendance, though it is dependent on “if E3 happens.”
E3 is scheduled to take place from June 13 to June 16 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, with separate days allocated for business media and gaming industry professionals, and exclusive fan days. Despite the absence of Microsoft and Nintendo, gaming enthusiasts can still anticipate exciting announcements and reveals from other major publishers and developers during E3.
Nintendo previously stated in its confirmation of withdrawal from this year’s E3 that it evaluates its involvement in events on a case-by-case basis and considers various ways to engage with its fans. The Japanese gaming company explained that E3 did not align with its plans for this year, leading to its decision not to participate. Nevertheless, Nintendo remains a staunch supporter of the ESA and E3, stating that it will continue to support the event.
In contrast, Sony has not yet disclosed whether it will attend E3 this year. The company has not presented anything at E3 since 2018 and is rumored to also not have a presence at the conference.
