The ESA has reacted to reports that Sony, Nintendo and Xbox will not be attending the event, which is intended to revive E3.

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has issued a statement responding to the news that the big three games companies will not be present at this year’s E3. This is a devastating blow for the event, which is doing everything possible to regain its former relevance and prestige.

The 2019 Electronic Entertainment Expo, colloquially known in the games industry as E3, has been elevated to new heights thanks to Keanu Reeves’ breathtaking live on-stage appearance.

However, the years since then have not proved to be a bright spot for either E3 or Cyberpunk 2077. Arguably the most significant annual gaming event since the start of the COVID-19 epidemic, it hasn’t been able to host a live show. Only one virtual demo has been set up for 2021. Now it seems that this year’s resurrection is in jeopardy. IGN reports that Sony, Nintendo and Microsoft will not be part of E3 2023.

ESA’s announcement focuses on reaffirming its support for ReedPOP, the partner it hired last year to organise the event. ESA has decided not to comment directly on the loss of Sony, Nintendo and Microsoft. It did, however, highlight ReedPOP’s history of hosting events such as PAX and Comic-Con. He says that ReedPOP has made “significant progress in transforming the event” and received significant support from investor companies.

IGN has reported that Nintendo and Xbox were reportedly interested in maintaining a presence at E3 2023, but both pulled out “for reasons unrelated to the show itself”.

While no official explanation was released for these decisions, Nintendo reportedly pulled out of the event because its release schedule did not justify the slot. Xbox is expected to host its own physical showcase simultaneously with E3. But ReedPOP’s handling of the show has been criticised by publishers who spoke anonymously. They doubt the show will even take place, given how much is still up in the air.

Even without Sony, the 2019 event was a success. But in no small part because Microsoft’s presentation included Cyberpunk 2077, one of the most hyped video games in history. In the absence of all three primary players, some questioned whether the event even existed.

Source: IGN