Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony are not going to be taking part in E3 2023, at least according to several independent sources. E3 is frequently seen as being the largest annual video game event in the world, making the absence of all three major console manufacturers an eyebrow raising development.
This marks the first time in the history of E3 that Microsoft and Nintendo will not be participating. Similar to many other events like The Game Awards, E3 has been held online for several years, but is currently scheduled to be taking place in Los Angeles, California from June 13 to 16, 2023.
The news comes from a recent report by IGN. The reasons for Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony pulling out of E3 aren’t yet clear and there so far have been no official announcements about the matter. E3 has on the other hand been shifting its focus to include more events and experiences for attendees outside of the traditional trade show format, resulting in some companies deciding to skip the conference altogether in favor of alternate means of showcasing their games and products.
The video game industry has been experiencing substantial growth in recent years, making the decision by Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony to withdraw from E3 almost completely unexpected. These companies have been major players in the games industry for decades and their absence from the event could indicate a shift in the way that video games are marketed and presented to consumers.
While the absence of Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony from E3 will certainly be significant, the move may provide a chance for smaller companies to enter the spotlight. E3 will nonetheless be featuring dozens of independent developers. The games industry is rapidly changing and such a noteworthy shakeup at E3 might just be the beginning of a brand new era.