E3 is switching back to its in-person format for the first time since the pandemic. It’s an exciting move that should come as a breath of fresh air to game enthusiasts and those suffering from pandemic fatigue alike.
And yet not all E3 headlines have been positive this year. In this article, we take a look at everything that will make E3 2023 unique, highlighting big games, big developments, and a major source of controversy that could change the way the gaming industry holds its events forever.
Ubisoft
Ubisoft is poised to have a big E3 this year. The studio has several blockbuster games in development, including two Assasins’ Creed titles (Mirage, and Nexus) as well as several large significant titles poised for release several years down the line.
While it may be a pipe dream to expect news on Splinter Cell 7 or the long-reported Star Wars open-world game that is currently being helmed by a Ubisoft team, this remains a company to monitor during this year’s event.
Ubisoft has also left fans to speculate on a mysterious announcement that they plan to make on a long-appreciated “single-player series.” During a statement in which the Ubisoft CEO cryptically announced that they would be “At E3 if it happens,” (Ubisoft and E3 both later confirmed that the event was never in doubt) they also suggested that they would have a lot to show, including a new installment for a fan favorite series.
If you’re excited by the Rayman potential, don’t hold your breath. The game publisher has clarified that this isn’t the title they were referring to.
While fans can only speculate until this summer’s event, there are many exciting possibilities. Ubisoft has published many fan favorites, including Driver, Watch Dogs, Call of Juarez, and many others.
Many fans hope that this announcement teases the long-anticipated revival of the Prince of Persia series, which has experienced many delays on a remake of the much-loved game Sands of Time.
Of course, to find out what’s in store, you’ll need to tune in to E3 2023 this summer.
A fan-friendly twist
This year’s E3 event has made further news by offering a fan-favoring twist. The expo will host a “fan-only day,” during which time they will rent a theatre out to allow people to stream exclusive sneak peeks.
This decision is designed to give as many people access to the event as possible and mirrors the structuring strategy that is often seen at overseas events.
For an expo that is strongly associated with long waits and intense lines, this may be a welcome development. While queuing can be a convenient time for many to do a variety of different things, from checking out the latest game headlines, looking at game strategies, or even browsing articles on their phones as they consider new ways to enhance their passion for gaming, it does give game developers the chance to reach more people as they simultaneously ensure fans spend less time waiting in line.
An enormous absence
Industry sources have suggested that the “Big 3” will be taking a pass on this year’s E3 expo. This move comes less as a reaction to the event itself and more as an extension of something that has been in the works for years.
Since the pandemic, Sony, Xbox, and Nintendo have been making their announcements through self-hosted, E3-like events.
Nintendo, for example, has drawn millions of viewers through their “Nintendo Presents,” events, through which they have announced major titles including Pokemon and Zelda games.
Xbox and Sony have found it similarly advantageous to create their own channels for communicating with fans.
While many people may use this development as an excuse to take a pass on E3 2023, it does provide smaller companies with the opportunity to grab a little more spotlight.
Will more companies follow the Big 3’s lead in years to come? That remains to be seen. However, this trend does track with the broader commercial tendency for modern companies to look for more intimate ways to connect with their customers.
In the same way that every television network now has its own streaming service, it may soon be the day when all gaming companies have well-established customer communication channels.
For an event long touted as the “Superbowl of Gaming,” E3 has taken some hits in recent years. Covid pushing things online was a big step backward, but it seems tame in comparison to some of this year’s developments. It’s hard to imagine E3 2023 without the Big 3 there to make industry-shaking announcements. And yet true gaming fans can’t deny the event’s potential. With a new format that makes screenings more accessible, and Ubisoft poised to come correct, E3 2023 seems just as ready as ever to maintain its status as a significant gaming event.
